Northrop Grumman unveiled the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber, which can withstand the most advanced air defense systems

As planned, a new strategic bomber was unveiled in San Francisco. It is called the B-21 Raider. The developer is Northrop Grumman, as in the case of the last generation bomber B-2 Spirit.

Here's What We Know

The B-21 Raider is the most advanced aircraft in the world. Work on it began in 2015. That's when Northrop began assembling a team that already includes more than 8,000 specialists and partners. Now the company calls the Raider the first sixth-generation aircraft. One of its features will be the ability to operate in unmanned mode.

Of course, Northrop Grumman has not disclosed the technical specifications of the bomber. But the company notes that in the future it will become the main air force of the country and will play a key role in providing potential aviation of the United States. The aircraft will be able to carry both conventional ammunition and nuclear weapons.

The B-21 Raider will replace two strategic bombers at once. Gradually the U.S. will begin to decommission the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit. Ultimately, only the Raider and B-52 Stratofortress in the number of 100 and 50, respectively, will remain in service with the U.S. Air Force.

Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force have published several photos of the aircraft, all taken in full-face. It has a "flying wing" aerodynamic scheme, like the B-2 Spirit. At the same time the novelty is 1.5 times more compact than its predecessor. It is also worth noting the gray color of the plane instead of black.

The Raider has upgraded engines as well as modern technologies and materials that are designed to hide the bomber from enemy air defense systems. Unlike other aircraft, the B-21 will not receive Block upgrades. Instead, Northrop Grumman will improve the bomber through "equipment flexibility" and through software upgrades. The U.S. Air Force believes that this approach will allow the aircraft to continuously counter threats for decades.

The U.S. Department of Defense says that the B-21 Raider will be able to strike anywhere in the world, overcoming the most advanced air defense systems. The U.S. is currently having problems with this. According to the Pentagon, only 10% of the bomber fleet can pass advanced air defense systems.

Including the one presented, Northrop Grumman has six planes, which are at different stages of assembly. The U.S. Air Force will begin receiving the B-21 Raider in the middle of this decade and intends to purchase a total of 100 aircraft.

The service will place the bombers at Ellsworth in South Dakota, Dyess in Texas and Whiteman in Missouri. The B-21 Raider will be one of the top three procurement priorities for the U.S. Air Force, along with the new KC-46 Pegasus multi-role tanker and the F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter.

Source: Northrop Grumman