US releases first test flight photos of top secret nuclear bomber

The B-21 Raider is set to debut to the public in December 2022, but the US government has so far remained tight-lipped about the advanced, radar-evading aircraft.

The flight test is an important step before the US approves to produce a minimum order of 100 B-21 Raiders.

The B-21 Raider is described as a “dual-capability bomber,” capable of dropping both conventional and nuclear bombs. This May, during a hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Mr. Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, confirmed that the B-21 flight test program is currently on schedule.

Mr. Hunter shared that this is the first aircraft to be more digitized, contributing to meeting the program's requirements.

The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable stealth bomber. The Daily Mail (UK) reported that the B-21 is expected to gradually replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers, and play a key role in supporting national security goals as well as supporting US allies and partners around the world. The B-21 weapon system is produced under a contract between the US Air Force and Northrop Grumman.

The US Air Force revealed: “The aircraft is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s with a target of producing a minimum of 100 aircraft.” The B-21 Raider is a nuclear-capable bomber.

There are six test aircraft being produced by Northrop Grumman and each is expected to cost $750 million. The B-21 Raider is advertised as being virtually “invisible” to all enemy radars and will be equipped with the latest in military technology. The B-21 Raider weighs approximately 30,000 pounds with a wingspan of 170 feet and can reach a top speed of 620 mph.

The US Air Force estimates that the B-21 program will likely cost $203 billion over 30 years to develop, purchase and maintain the fleet.