Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider

The Northrop Grumman B‑21 Raider is a next‑generation long‑range stealth bomber developed for the United States Air Force. Conceived in 2015 under the Long Range Strike‑B program, the aircraft builds on lessons learned from the B‑2 Spirit while incorporating advanced digital design, modular open systems architecture, and next‑level low‑observable technology. The first flight occurred in December 2022, marking a milestone that followed more than a decade of design, testing, and cost‑control efforts that kept the program within its targeted budget. The Raider’s airframe utilizes a twin‑engine, flying‑wing configuration made primarily of carbon‑fiber composite and radar‑absorbent materials, providing a radar cross‑section comparable to a small bird. Its integrated avionics suite supports autonomous mission planning, network‑centric warfare, and the ability to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads up to 70,000 pounds. Designed for rapid re‑deployment, the aircraft can operate from a variety of conventional runways as well as austere forward bases, enhancing global strike flexibility. The B‑21’s introduction reshapes strategic deterrence, offering a survivable platform that can penetrate sophisticated defended airspaces, ensuring the United States maintains a credible long‑range strike capability well into the mid‑21st century.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification