US unveils new images of B-21 Raider, its next sixth-generation stealth bomber
The U.S. Air Force has not revealed many details to the public about the new B-21 Raider bomber they are developing. Despite this, the country’s Department of Defense has shared some images of the military vehicle that has not left war aviation fans indifferent.
What is known about the bomber is that it will be. a sixth-generation stealth (undetectable by radar) bomber. and will be capable of combining conventional and nuclear munitions. The aircraft will be capable of manned or unmanned missions and is costing the government some $692 million.
In December, the U.S. Air Force had already previewed a bit of what to expect from the aircraft. However, the photos and video they showed in December from the facilities of Northrop Grumman Corporation (California), which is the company in charge of manufacturing the B-21, were not enough and the new images posted on ‘dvids’ give a better appreciation of what it will look like.
The photographs show a flying wing design similar to the B-2 Spirit bomber.also by Northrop, its air intakes and some protrusions in the rear area. Along with the images, the Department of Defense has reported that the new aircraft “will provide penetrating, long-range, survivable strike capabilities to deter aggression and strategic attacks against the U.S., its allies and partners.”
What will be, according to the US government itself, the “backbone of the bomber fleet” does not yet have a date for its first flight, but is expected to be ready for its maiden test by the end of 2023. The Air Force stated the B-21 will enter service when data is favorable and that, once it does, “Ellsworth AFB will become the first major operating base and formal training unit.”
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