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2023-01-01

USAF Reveals New High-Tech Stealth Bomber

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) on December 2 publicly unveiled the B-21 Raider, the first new, long-range strike bomber in a generation and an aircraft specifically designed to be the multifunctional backbone of the modernised bomber fleet.

The B-21 Raider will be capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

It will also be able to penetrate the toughest defences to deliver precision strikes anywhere in the world and is considered the future of deterrence.

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 Corporation at its production facilities in California is a significant milestone in the Air Force’s effort to modernise combat capabilities.

The B-21 will gradually replace the ageing B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers now in service.

The new bomber could cost nearly US$700m (£569m) each.

As expected, specific details of the aircraft remain shrouded in secrecy.

Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin: “The B-21 Raider 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.”

Changing Threats

The world and its threats have changed dramatically since the last new bomber was introduced in 1988, as has the way the Air Force, other U.S. military services and allies work together as a joint, multi-domain force.

Senior defence officials say that new thinking and innovation are needed to meet emerging threats.

“That innovative spirit is sitting behind us right now,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., told reporters shortly before the plane was unveiled.

The B-21 is the first new bomber to be introduced since the end of the Cold War. Air Force officials envision an ultimate fleet of at least 100 aircraft with an average procurement unit cost requirement of US$692 million.

The specific B-21 unveiled on Dec. 2 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.

Preferred Locations

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

In addition to building a bomber with state-of-the-art technology and capabilities, Air Force officials emphasised the focus on containing costs while simultaneously allowing for maximum flexibility.

For example, the B-21 is designed with an open systems architecture that will enable rapid future capability integration to keep pace with the highly contested threat environment.

The design is based on firm requirements with existing and mature technology to control programme costs. The plane’s prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, has been directed to use production processes, production tooling, and a production workforce that ensures sustained and seamless production while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Development Track

The Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office leads the development of the B-21 Raider under the direction of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Secretary of the Air Force.

The Air Force awarded the B-21 Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract to Northrop Grumman on October 27, 2015. Northrop Grumman’s partners on the B-21 programme include Pratt & Whitney, Janicki Industries, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems and Spirit Aerosystems.

In 2018, the programme successfully conducted the weapon systems Critical Design Review, a comprehensive programme-wide evaluation of design maturity, stability and risk.

The B-21 Raider is named in honour of the historic Doolittle Raiders, U.S. Army Air Force men who are known for their surprise attack against Japan during World War II on April 18, 1942, which forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defence, and boosted morale among Americans and U.S. allies abroad. The designation B-21 recognises the Raider as the first bomber of the 21st century.

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