Monday, March 18, 2024

Northrop and U.S. Air Force to unveil B-21 Raider stealth aircraft very soon

Northrop Grumman, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, will unveil the B-21 Raider during the first week of December at the company’s Palmdale, California facility. The B-21 Raider unveiling will be a historic moment, providing an exclusive view of the B-21 aircraft.

The B-21 is the Air Force’s first new bomber in more than three decades. Northrop was awarded a contract in 2015 to design and build the world’s most advanced military aircraft. The B-21 is a product of Northrop Grumman’s pioneering digital engineering practices and advanced manufacturing techniques, together with breakthrough stealth technology.

The B-21 Raider is a sixth-generation aircraft, which Tom Jones, president of Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems unit, says is “optimized for operations in highly contested environments.” It will be capable of penetrating the toughest defenses to deliver precision strikes anywhere in the world.

“The B-21 is the most advanced military aircraft ever built and is a product of pioneering innovation and technological excellence,” said Doug Young, sector vice president, and general manager of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The Raider showcases the dedication and skills of the thousands of people working every day to deliver this aircraft.”

Currently, six B-21 test aircraft are in various stages of final assembly in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force confirmed in May that the B-21 first flight is projected for 2023. The actual timing of the first flight will be based on ground test outcomes, and the unveiling of the aircraft will take place at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale site during an invitation-only event.