Northrop Grumman has revealed the US Air Force’s B-21 Raider bomber,
The B-21 joins the US Air Force’s nuclear strike capability and is the first bomber to join the US Air Force in 34 years. The stealth bomber, which can carry nuclear and conventional weapons has taken seven years to develop and will replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers.
Described by Northrop Grumman as a sixth generation aircraft, the B-21 Raider features “advanced integration of data, sensors and weapons” said the company.
The B-21 is capable of networking across the battlespace to multiple systems, and into all domains. The aircraft is also supported by a digital ecosystem so it can quickly upgrade with new technology that provide new capabilities.
“With the B-21, the US Air Force will be able to deter or defeat threats anywhere in the world,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The B-21 exemplifies how Northrop Grumman is leading the industry in digital transformation and digital engineering, ultimately delivering more value to our customers.”
The B-21 Raider is named in honor of the Doolittle Raids of World War II when 80 men, led by Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle, and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set off on a mission that changed the course of World War II. The designation B-21 recognizes the Raider as the first bomber of the 21st century.
