US Air Force's new nuclear stealth bomber, completes inaugural test flight.
The US Air Force's B-21 "Raider" bomber, designed like a flying wing, achieved a significant milestone with its inaugural flight on Friday, November 10, marking the commencement of a new era in long-range nuclear-capable stealth bombers crafted by Northrop Grumman Corp,
Departing from Northrop's facility at the Air Force's Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, at sunrise, the B-21's appearance unveiled a glimpse of the highly classified aircraft, developed under rigorous security protocols.
The plane ascended into the sky at 6:51 a.m., discreetly conducted without prior public announcement by Air Force officials.
Despite the low profile, approximately three dozen aviation enthusiasts and amateur photographers congregated around Plant 42, eager to witness the historic moment.
Although the B-21 was officially revealed to the public in December 2022, the anticipation surrounding its inaugural flight had been mounting for years.
The advanced features of Northrop Grumman's B-21 include robust, stealth-enabled low observable surface materials designed to reduce maintenance requirements, subsequently decreasing operational costs and downtime.
With plans to produce 100 of these warplanes, the B-21 inherits the flying wing shape from its predecessor, the B-2 Spirit, while incorporating cutting-edge materials, propulsion, and stealth technology to enhance survivability in future conflicts. Variants are envisioned with and without pilots.
"The B-21 Raider is in flight testing," confirmed Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek, emphasizing the critical role of these tests in establishing "survivable, long-range, penetrating strike capabilities to deter aggression and strategic attacks against the United States, allies, and partners."
The B-21 Raider represents the first new American bomber aircraft in over three decades, and the program is shrouded in secrecy, with almost every aspect classified. This confidentiality aims to safeguard against unauthorized access to the weapon's technology, preventing potential replication by other nations, particularly China, which has previously reverse-engineered advanced US weapons systems such as the F-35 joint strike fighter.
As a cornerstone of the Pentagon's efforts to modernize the nuclear triad, encompassing silo-launched nuclear ballistic missiles and submarine-launched warheads, the B-21 Raider addresses the evolving landscape of global security.
Northrop Grumman Corp., headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, spearheads this pioneering venture into the future of strategic airpower.
AP , Reuters
