The B-21 Raider nuclear bomber made its maiden flight and flew to a US Air Force base for further testing
It happened. The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman conducted the first flight test of the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber. The sixth-generation aircraft travelled to Edwards Air Force Base (Edwards).
Here's What We Know
The nuclear bomber took off in the early morning hours of 10 November 2023. The B-21 Raider left the Northrop Grumman factory and travelled to Edwards Base. Both facilities are located within the state of California.
B-21 RAIDER FIRST FLIGHT 11-10-23 #RAIDER33 #B21Raider pic.twitter.com/3tEKudqDiw
- Matt Hartman (@ShorealoneFilms) November 10, 2023
At the US Air Force base, the strategic bomber will undergo further flight testing, which is a critical part of the programme. It will eventually be joined by five more sixth-generation aircraft, which are now in various stages of production.
The US Air Force plans to receive 100 nuclear bombers. They will fly with the iconic B-52J Stratofortress aircraft and will be the replacement for the B-2 Spirit. Northrop Grumman will soon receive its first low-rate production contract.
