The B-21 Raider, a collaboration between Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force, has been revealed as a new era of sixth generation aircraft begins.

The B-21 will form the backbone of the future for US air power, leading a powerful family of systems that delivers advanced integration of data, sensors and weapons. Its sixth-generation capabilities include stealth, information advantage and open architecture.

Capable of networking across the battlespace to multiple systems, and into all domains, the new bomber is supported by a digital ecosystem throughout its lifecycle. This capability will allow the B-21 can quickly evolve through rapid technology upgrades that provide new capabilities designed to outpace future threats.

The B-21 joins the nuclear triad as a visible and flexible deterrent designed for the US Air Force to meet its most complex missions.

“With the B-21, the U.S. Air Force will be able to deter or defeat threats anywhere in the world,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The B-21 exemplifies how Northrop Grumman is leading the industry in digital transformation and digital engineering, ultimately delivering more value to our customers.”           

While the B-21 isn’t expected to be operational and introduced into service for several more years, the formal unveiling ceremony hosted by Northrop Grumman at its production facilities in California last week is a significant milestone in USAF’s effort to modernise combat capabilities.

The B-21 is designed to be a more capable and adaptable, state-of-the-art aircraft that will gradually replace aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers now in service.

According to design requirements, the B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable stealth bomber capable of delivering a mix of conventional and nuclear munitions. The aircraft will play a major role supporting national security objectives and assuring US allies and partners across the globe.

“The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades,” US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin said during the ceremony. “It is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation. And it’s proof of the Department’s long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities that will fortify America’s ability to deter aggression, today and into the future.”

The B-21 is the first new bomber to be introduced since the end of the Cold War. USAF officials envision an ultimate fleet of at least 100 aircraft with an average procurement unit cost requirement of $692m (base year 2022 dollars).

“When I think about accelerate change, this is exactly what it means to be able to bring this kind of capability very quickly and be able to adapt it vis-à-vis the threat,” Brown said in his meeting with reporters. “And so today, I'm really excited that we bring the B-21 Raider into the future. It'll be the backbone of our bomber fleet.”

The specific B-21 unveiled is one of six under production. Each is considered a test aircraft, but each is being built on the same production line, using the same tools, processes, and technicians who will build production aircraft. This approach has enabled production engineers and technicians to capture lessons learned and apply them directly to follow-on aircraft, driving home a focus on repeatability, producibility and quality.

While the precise date when the B-21 will enter service is unknown, basing decisions have been made. Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota will become the first Main Operating Base and formal training unit for the B-21. Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, are the preferred locations for the remaining home bases. Each will receive aircraft as they become available.

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