5 Facts About the B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber
The B-21 Raider is the latest addition to the United States Air Force’s fleet of stealth bombers. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this sixth-generation bomber is designed to provide the US military with a highly advanced, long-range strike capability. Here are five key facts about the B-21 Raider:
Design and Development
The B-21 Raider is the result of the US Air Force’s Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program, which was initiated in 2011. The program aimed to develop a new bomber that could replace the aging B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress fleets. Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract to develop the B-21 in 2015, with a estimated development cost of $23.3 billion.
📝 Note: The B-21 Raider is named after the Doolittle Raiders, a group of US Army Air Forces bombers that launched a surprise attack on Japan in 1942.
Stealth Capabilities
The B-21 Raider is designed to be a highly stealthy aircraft, with a number of features that reduce its radar cross-section. These include:
- A flying wing design, which eliminates the need for a separate fuselage and reduces the aircraft’s radar signature.
- A curved surface that deflects radar waves, making it harder to detect.
- The use of radar-absorbent materials (RAMs) to absorb radar energy.
These stealth capabilities allow the B-21 to penetrate deep into enemy territory undetected, making it an ideal platform for long-range strike missions.
Propulsion and Performance
The B-21 Raider is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW9000 engines, which provide a combined thrust of over 50,000 pounds. The aircraft has a top speed of over Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) and a range of over 5,000 miles. The B-21 is also designed to operate at high altitudes, with a service ceiling of over 50,000 feet.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 147 feet (44.8 meters) |
| Wingspan | 172 feet (52.4 meters) |
| Height | 29 feet (8.8 meters) |
| Empty Weight | 240,000 pounds (108,862 kilograms) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 350,000 pounds (158,757 kilograms) |
Armament and Payload
The B-21 Raider is designed to carry a variety of payloads, including:
- Conventional bombs, such as the Mark 82 and Mark 84.
- Precision-guided munitions, such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).
- Nuclear weapons, such as the B61 and B83.
The aircraft has a payload capacity of over 20,000 pounds, making it an ideal platform for long-range strike missions.
Operational Status
The B-21 Raider is currently in the testing phase, with the first flight taking place in 2020. The aircraft is expected to enter service with the US Air Force in the mid-2020s, with an estimated production run of 100-150 aircraft.
In summary, the B-21 Raider is a highly advanced stealth bomber that is designed to provide the US military with a long-range strike capability. Its stealth capabilities, propulsion system, and armament make it an ideal platform for a variety of missions.
What is the B-21 Raider’s top speed?
+
The B-21 Raider has a top speed of over Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound).
What is the B-21 Raider’s payload capacity?
+
The B-21 Raider has a payload capacity of over 20,000 pounds.
When is the B-21 Raider expected to enter service?
+
The B-21 Raider is expected to enter service with the US Air Force in the mid-2020s.
