Northrop Grumman plans to award its first contract to produce B-21 Raider nuclear bombers by the end of 2023
The B-21 Raider recently began taxiing tests. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman is already preparing for its first contract to produce next-generation nuclear bombers.
Here's What We Know
The US defence contractor will award an initial low-rate production contract after the first flight of the sixth-generation aircraft. Northrop Grumman hopes both the first and second will happen before the end of 2023.
The US Air Force agrees to sign a contract after the B-21 Raider takes to the air. Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden said on 26 October 2023. Dave Keffer, executive vice president and chief financial officer, added that it will happen in the fourth quarter.
Such a timeline is in line with Northrop Grumman's plan. The company continues to evaluate its operations and what the initial low-rate production process should be. There were no changes to the estimate in the third quarter.
Northrop is conducting ground tests of the first pre-production aircraft. The company has five more strategic bombers in various stages of construction. These six B-21 Raider will form a test group at Edwards Air Force Base in California.