First rollout of B-21 stealth bomber

The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider stealth bomber is described by its manufacturer as “the most advanced military aircraft ever built”


NORTHROP GRUMMAN B-21 RAIDER

Procurement
Minimum of 100 aircraft. Will replace U.S. fleet of B-1 and B-2 bombers

Range: Classified

Crew: Aircraft can accommodate manned or unmanned operations

Speed
Likely to be subsonic

Artist’s impression of aircraft

Stealth features: “Low observable” design and surface coatings to reduce likelihood of interception

Weapons
Large internal bay for long-range standoff missiles and B61 gravity bombs – conventional and nuclear


STEALTH BOMBERS COMPARED


B-2 Spirit

Wingspan: 52m

Entered service: 1997 
Engines: Four General Electric F118-100 turbofans
Unit cost: $1.157 billion (1998 constant dollars)
Payload: 18,144kg


B-21 Raider

Wingspan: 42m (estimated)
 
Operational: Mid-2020s
Engines: Likely two or four Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofans
Unit procurement cost $639 million (2019 dollars) 
Payload: 13,607kg (expected)


Sources: Airforce Technology, Defense News, Northrop Grumman, U.S. Air Force 
© GRAPHIC NEWS