B-21 Raider Begins Weapons Testing

The U.S. B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber has conducted its first in-flight weapons-release tests as part of its flight-testing program.

Northrop Grumman announced this.

The company said the aircraft, which its representatives describe as “the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft,” offers exceptional payload flexibility.

The B-21 will be capable of performing a wide range of missions, from long-range strikes to operations in airspace protected by advanced air defense systems. Its design also allows integration of new weapons and expansion of the aircraft’s capabilities.

The company says the B-21 is being developed as the backbone of future long-range strikes designed to penetrate enemy defenses. Its range will allow it to threaten any target anywhere in the world.

B-21 Raider

The B-21 Raider is the latest U.S. stealth strategic bomber, developed by Northrop Grumman. The program officially began in 2011 under the name Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B).

After a lengthy competition, the Pentagon selected Northrop Grumman as the project’s prime contractor on October 27, 2015. By 2018, the developers had completed the critical design review, paving the way for construction of the first prototypes at Plant 42 in California.

The first aircraft was officially presented on December 2, 2022, marking the first public rollout of a new U.S. bomber in three decades. On November 10, 2023, the aircraft, bearing tail number 001, made its maiden flight and was relocated to Edwards Air Force Base for further testing.

Ground and flight testing are ongoing as part of the program. These tests assess the aircraft’s reliability and cover weapons loading, data collection, and maintenance between sorties.

Northrop Grumman said it has completed structural fatigue testing equivalent to several full service lives of the aircraft.
The bombers are expected to replace the aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets in the 2030s. The first production B-21 Raider is expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 2027.

Northrop Grumman has already opened a B-21 production facility in Layton, Utah, covering approximately 24,600 square meters. The company has also begun construction of a new final assembly facility covering approximately 92,900 square meters at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

The infrastructure expansion is part of an agreement between the U.S. Department of Defense and Northrop Grumman that calls for a 25% increase in annual B-21 Raider production capacity.

To accelerate production of the planned fleet of at least 100 aircraft, the U.S. Air Force is seeking an additional $4.5 billion in funding. Meanwhile, U.S. Strategic Command chief Adm. Richard Correll believes the planned B-21 fleet should be increased to 145 aircraft.