Northrop Grumman has begun ground testing of the engines of the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber - the world's first sixth-generation aircraft will make its debut flight in 2023

The day before, the US Air Force published two new photos of the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber. After that, Northrop Grumman announced an important news.

Here's What We Know

The B-21 Raider still hasn't made its first flight. The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman previously said that the strategic bomber will be able to take to the skies by the end of 2023. So the aircraft still has more than three months to go.

Northrop Grumman has officially announced the start of ground testing of the B-21 Raider's engines. The propulsion system tests will take place at the company's plant in Palmdale, California, where the nuclear bomber was unveiled almost nine months ago.

By the way, in an official press release, Northrop Grumman calls the B-21 Raider the world's first sixth-generation aircraft. The launch of the ground engine test programme is an important step towards the first flight.

The U.S. Air Force wants to buy a minimum of 100 B-21 Raider bombers. They will be the replacement for the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit and will fly alongside the B-52J Stratofortress, which will remain in service until the 2050s. The first contract for the Raider could be signed as early as this year.

Source: Northrop Grumman