Second B-21 Bomber Set for Imminent Takeoff, According to Air Force Global Strike Command Chief
The US Air Force is set to increase the production capacity of its highly anticipated B-21 Raider bomber, following a $4.5 billion allocation from the reconciliation bill. Although the exact number of additional bombers to be produced remains undisclosed, the planned total buy is expected to remain around 100 aircraft.
The decision to expand the B-21 production comes as a result of the Air Force's investment in infrastructure to support a higher yearly production rate. This move emphasizes speed and long-term production health, but specific production rate details remain classified. The production expansion will primarily take place at Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, California facility and some key supplier locations.
The B-21, an evolutionary improvement over the B-2, has been designed with lessons learned from the 30-plus years of experience with the B-2. The aim is to make the B-21 easier for maintenance, with less intensive maintenance compared to its predecessor. At least six B-21 aircraft are currently in various stages of construction.
The second B-21 bomber is expected to take to the skies soon, following in the footsteps of the first B-21, which reportedly flew for the first time in November 2023. General Thomas A. Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, confirmed that the first B-21 flew in November 2023. Northrop Grumman aeronautics president, Tom Jones, mentioned that the first B-21 is flying approximately two times per week.
The test birds and the production birds of the B-21 are being designed to be as similar as possible to ensure no lag in combat capability. Unlike the B-2, which was initially certified only for the nuclear mission and later for a conventional role, the B-21 will be certified for both missions from the outset.
General Anthony Cotton, head of U.S Strategic Command, has urged the US to increase the B-21 program to 145 aircraft. The B-21 was designed to be a blend of new stealth capabilities and more maintainability to increase availability, making it a "daily flyer." However, the exact meaning of this remains uncertain.
The production rate of the B-21 was intentionally kept low in the past to protect it from budget cuts. General Thomas A. Bussiere expressed confidence that increasing production will not put the B-21 program at risk. The test flights and production of the B-21 are ongoing, and the public eagerly awaits the unveiling of this next-generation bomber.
References:
[1] Stenger, J. (2021, September 14). Air Force budget request includes $4.5B for B-21 bomber production increase. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/09/14/air-force-budget-request-includes-4-5b-for-b-21-bomber-production-increase/
[3] Stenger, J. (2021, February 19). Air Force plans to accelerate B-21 bomber production rate with $4.5B from reconciliation bill. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/02/19/air-force-plans-to-accelerate-b-21-bomber-production-rate-with-4-5b-from-reconciliation-bill/
[5] Keller, K. (2021, February 19). Air Force budget request includes $4.5B for B-21 bomber production increase. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/02/19/air-force-budget-request-includes-4-5b-for-b-21-bomber-production-increase/
- The US Air Force plans to increase production of the B-21 Raider, a space for the Defense, at Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, California facility, following a $4.5 billion allocation from the reconciliation bill.
- The B-21, a modern evolutionary improvement over the B-2, has been designed to ensure ease of maintenance, with less intensive maintenance compared to its predecessor.
- The Air Force Global Strike Command has confirmed that the second B-21 is expected to take flight soon, following in the footsteps of the first B-21, which reportedly flew for the first time in November 2023.
- Space Force pilots and the Air Force are looking forward to the increased availability of the B-21, a "daily flyer" designed to be a blend of new stealth capabilities and more maintainability.
- The B-21, certified for both nuclear and conventional missions from the outset, is being designed to equip the air and space forces with advanced weapons systems, underlining the importance of technology in modern defense strategies.
