The U.S. Air Force (USAF) released the first flight test video of the B-21 Raider, the new strategic stealth bomber that will replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit.
The B-21, considered to be the first sixth-generation combat aircraft, is a long-range, highly survivable stealth bomber, capable of carrying a combination of conventional and nuclear munitions, and will form the “air leg” of the U.S. nuclear triad.
Testing continues for the B-21 Raider, a dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. Ellsworth Air Force Base, Whiteman Air Force Base, and Dyess Air Force Base are expected to receive the B-21.
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— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) September 18, 2024
The USAF and manufacturer Northrop Gruman reported progress in the development of the Raider. A significant advance in the B-21 program was the successful completion of its static test on the G-1 prototype, a milestone that ensures the aircraft’s structural integrity. These results reinforce confidence in the B-21’s digital design. Northrop Grumman also began fatigue testing on another ground test article to simulate a lifetime of flight conditions on the aircraft structure.
Regarding the flight tests, Chris “Hoss” Moss, Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider test pilot stated:
“Overall, I am pleased to see the performance of our test jet. The handling qualities are better than expected coming out of the simulated environment – validating the accuracy of the digital models the team has developed and analyzed over many years”.
“Flight test is an exciting time, and we’re making great progress on B-21,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The CTF (Combined Test Force) team has demonstrated we can execute multiple flight test events within the span of a week. Northrop Grumman’s digital ecosystem is enabling that progress, allowing us to analyze test data, make updates and return to flight test with speed and efficiency.””
Production-focused digital strategy for the B-21
With the ambitious goal of producing at least 100 B-21 bomber aircrafts, Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force implemented a program management approach that prioritizes efficient production and the adoption of digital technologies. This innovative strategy seeks to avoid the cost overruns and delays that have plagued similar projects in the past by optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
One of the keys to the success of the B-21 is having built the first test aircraft in a similar manner to the production aircraft. This allowed the team to become familiar with production tools and materials and develop repeatable processes for optimal construction.
In addition, Northrop Grumman implemented advanced manufacturing technologies and digital tools throughout the factory. These include augmented reality tools and advanced robotics to improve process efficiency and accuracy.
Northrop Grumman’s approach for the B-21 is based on the need to provide the United States with a next-generation strategic deterrent system capable of addressing current and future threats. The strategies implemented are yielding positive results as the company successfully advances testing and production. The digital ecosystem supporting flight test progress will also enable future insertion of technology and capabilities that will keep the B-21 at the forefront.
