B-21: US set to unveil next-generation stealth bomber

An artists impression of the B21 Raider
An artists impression of the B21 Raider

Northrop Grumman Corporation in partnership with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) will unveil the next generation of stealth bombers, the B-21 Raider, in the first week of December it has been confirmed.

Set to compliment the B2 bomber, the B-21 is a sixth-generation bomber capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons over a very long range.

According to sources in the US Government, six B-21 Raiders are undergoing final assembly at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, California facility ahead of the unveiling in a few months’ time. The first flight of the type is expected in early 2023.

Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems said: “Northrop Grumman is proud of our partnership with the U.S. Air Force as we deliver the B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation aircraft optimized for operations in highly contested environments,” 

F15 escorting a B2 Stealth Bomber (Max Thrust Digital)
F15 escorting a B2 Stealth Bomber (Max Thrust Digital)

The official unveiling will take place at the infamous Plant 42 in Palmdale, California in December at an invitation-only event.

The name “Raider” is a nod to the Dolittle Raiders who carried out a daring strike on Tokyo following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.

About Nick Harding 2035 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.

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