B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Gears Up for 2023 First Flight with Taxi Tests Underway
Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider stealth bomber, a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s future defense strategy, is advancing towards its inaugural flight, with recent developments indicating significant progress in its testing phase. The B-21 Raider has commenced taxi tests at the Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, marking a crucial step in the aircraft’s development process. This phase of testing, essential for validating the bomber’s systems, components, and functionalities, is pivotal in ensuring its operational effectiveness and safety.
The first B-21 bomber, a production-representative aircraft almost identical to the final model, was rolled out in a ceremony in December 2022. The Air Force and Northrop Grumman are planning for the bomber’s first flight by the end of 2023, approximately one year after its public debut. This timeline aligns with previous statements from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who anticipated the first flight in 2023 barring any unforeseen challenges.
The B-21 Raider is undergoing extensive ground tests, including engine runs to test its propulsion systems and checks on various operational systems like fuel systems, doors, landing gears, and control actuation systems. These tests are crucial in preparing the aircraft for flight and ensuring all systems function as intended. After its first flight, the B-21 will undergo further flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The U.S. Air Force currently has at least six B-21s in various stages of production and testing, signaling the commitment to advancing this next-generation stealth bomber’s capabilities. The B-21 Raider represents a significant leap in air defense technology, promising to enhance the U.S. military’s strategic capabilities in the coming decades.
More stories on the B-21: https://airguide.info/?s=b-21+bomber
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, DefenseNews.com