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).

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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.

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.