The Air Force has called for at least 100 of the bombers to enter service by the early 2030s, replacing the aging Rockwell B-1B Lancer and Northrop B-2 Spirit.
The future backbone of the United States Air Force’s bomber fleet, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) in early 2024. The aircraft are being produced on the Air Force Plant 42 assembly lines in Palmdale, California, using the same tools and processes that have been used to build the six prototypes that will be used in testing.
Last week, the chief of the Air Force Global Strike Command acknowledged that the “second developmental test bird” could soon begin flight testing. Northrop Grumman had initially planned to produce seven or eight B-21 bombers annually under the LRIP. However, it is unclear if this goal is close to being met. As Northrop Grumman moves to full-rate production (FRP), as many as 10 units could be built per year.
“I’m pleased with the progress,” Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, told Air & Space Forces Magazine in an interview last week.
Why Was the B-21 Developed?
The first prototype B-21 Raider made its maiden flight in November 2023, just under a year after it was officially unveiled to the public at a ceremony in North Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California. Test flights have been continuing at a rate of about two per week.
The Air Force has called for at least 100 of the flying wing bombers to enter service by the early 2030s, replacing the aging Rockwell B-1B Lancer and Northrop B-2 Spirit.
However, in the recent interview, Bussiere, who has been nominated to serve as vice chief of staff, acknowledged that the B-21 Raider was not designed to incorporate “reach-for-the-stars” technology. Instead, it was intended to improve the stealth of the B-2 Spirit while being easier to maintain, and most importantly, to be produced in far greater numbers. The B-21 incorporated lessons learned from the B-2 program.
“I would say it’s evolutionary in technology,” said Bussiere. “It’s not a leap-past generational capabilities to try to reach for the stars.”
The B-21 Is Smaller than the B-2
It is also important to remember that the B-2 first flew in 1989. The B-21 is a 21st-century update and upgrade, albeit smaller, but for a very good reason.
“While both the B-2 and the B-21 feature the ultra-distinctive flying wing design, the B-21 is smaller and more compact, with a 130-140-foot wingspan relative to the B-2’s 172-foot wingspan,” wrote Harrison Kass for The National Interest last week.
Kass explained that the “primary differences” are not just with the measurements, but instead with the technology.
“The B-2 features Gen-1 stealth technology, the kind that debuted in the 80s and 90s,” Kass added. “This tech is still effective—as seen during the B-2’s weekend strikes, in which the aircraft successfully escaped Iranian airspace unscathed. But the B-21 features far more advanced Gen-5+ technology, the type that is on the cutting edge today.”
The B-21 also offers operational flexibility, including the ability to operate from smaller airfields and forward bases. That means the aircraft could still be employed in CONUS-to CONUS missions, like the one carried out against Iran, where the aircraft spent 37 hours in the air. However, by being forward deployed, the pilots may not need to endure such marathon flights, or more importantly, would be able to carry out multiple sorties against a target.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
