New images show America’s $745million (£585million) secretive stealth nuclear bomber taking to the air.
The B-21 Raider was unveiled in December 2022, but the U.S. government has so far been discreet about showing off the cutting-edge aircraft.
In pictures released Wednesday (22 May), the sleek aircraft is shown flying for the first time as it undergoes flight testing – after which a minimum of a hundred will be built.
The B-21 is a dual-capable bomber, able to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions.
On May 8, during testimony at the Senate Armed Services committee, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, highlighted B-21 flight testing is on track to meet timelines and deliver to the warfighter.
“We are in the flight test program, the flight test program is proceeding well,” he said in response to a question about the B-21 program. “It is doing what flight test programs are designed to do, which is helping us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very effective way.”
Mr Hunter explained this is the first aircraft that is more digital than not, which contributes to the program meeting requirements.
The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber that will incrementally replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers and will play a major role supporting national security objectives and assuring U.S. allies and partners across the globe.
The B-21 weapon system is manufactured under the Air Force’s contract with Northrop Grumman.
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) say: “It is designed with an open systems architecture, enabling rapid insertion of mature technologies, and allowing the aircraft to remain effective as threats evolve over time.”
“The aircraft is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s with a production goal of a minimum of 100 aircraft.”