The B-21 Raider is the latest wonder from Northrop Grumman and epitomizes the state of the art for three decades in both strike and stealth technology. As the first sixth-generation aircraft in the world, it is sure to reboot the strategic bomber fleet of the U.S. Air Force.
Currently undergoing extensive flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the B-21 Raider is being flown by a Combined Test Force of Northrop Grumman and Air Force personnel. The aircraft is flying as expected, according to its test pilots, mirroring the precision of its digital simulation.
The B-21 is currently projected to meet its key performance parameter for Average Procurement Unit Cost of $550 million Base Year 2010 dollars. To date, the government has taken options for fixed-price production of the initial 21 aircraft and is continuing negotiations for an additional 19 units.
The B-21 Raider set new standards in many aspects of sixth-generation technology. Outside, with its next-generation stealth technology and improvements in low observable processes, it will be easier and less costly to maintain than predecessor bombers. Inside, its open architecture allows for rapid upgrades, from new weapons to software improvements, made possible by advanced networking capability and successful migration to cloud environments.
The strategy here is to build a production representative first test aircraft, rather than a prototype, which means that the B-21 test aircraft will be equipped with mission systems and manufactured with the same processes and tooling as production aircraft. This allows a seamless transition into production and operational capability.
Northrop Grumman applies agile software development and digital engineering tools to reduce production risks and enable contemporary sustainment practices for the B-21 program. Ground testing has validated the effectiveness of digital modeling, which is superior to industry standards and sets the pace for future platforms and systems.
Advanced manufacturing techniques are baked into the development of the B-21. The investment by Northrop Grumman in a digital ecosystem for the aircraft has spanned from training and augmented reality tools for technicians to integrating supplier parts. These have been vital in reducing risk, enhancing efficiency, and generating expertise within the manufacturing workforce.
Sustainment for the B-21 was designed by prioritization from the very start of the program. The payoff in this approach will be long-term efficiencies, not just near-term benefits, placing the B-21 in a very favorable position regarding tech data, material readiness, and training for the user community at fielding.
The unveiling of the B-21 Raider was in a very dramatic fashion at Palmdale, California. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III pinpointed that the B-21 would form the backbone of America’s bomber force, with unmatched range and stealth capabilities. “Even the most sophisticated air-defense systems will struggle to detect a B-21 in the sky,” Austin said.
The B-21 Raider will be nuclear-capable and designed to operate in both manned and unmanned modes. The bomber will support a large range of stand-off and direct-attack munitions while being highly integrative with joint and coalition forces across a multitude of operational roles.
The development of the B-21 began in 2015 when the Air Force awarded the engineering and manufacturing development contract. The Air Force will buy at least 100 of these advanced bombers. It now is officially recognized as the first new bomber of the 21st century “B-21” designation-and its name, “Raider,” is paying homage to the Doolittle Raiders from World War II.
“This isn’t just another airplane,” Austin said. “It’s the embodiment of America’s determination to defend the republic that we love. It’s a testament to our strategy of deterrence, with the capabilities to back it up, every time and everywhere.”
The B-21 Raider is a manifestation of enduring American ingenuity and innovation to ensure this nation stays capable of defense against any adversary, long into the future.