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The nuclear-capable B-21 Raider strategic bomber will replace some of America's older fighter jets in the coming years.
The US Air Force has just conducted the first test flight of the new long-range stealth bomber B-21 Raider produced by the Northrop Grumman weapons corporation.
With its distinctive design, the jet was seen flying over Northrop's research facility in California on the afternoon of November 10.
The US Air Force described the flight as an important first step in the B-21 Raider’s testing campaign. Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said the new aircraft can deliver long-range strikes, is highly survivable, and can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.
According to Lieutenant General James C. Dawkins, the B-21 aircraft will be put into use from 2027. US officials have planned to replace this type of aircraft for some old bombers such as B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit in the near future.
During a House committee hearing last year, the Pentagon's then-deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, Lt. Gen. David S. Nahom, said the U.S. military would buy 145 B-21s after the test program was completed.
