The Americans have developed a nuclear bomber that cannot be seen even with radars!
The US Air Force has unveiled the first official images of the long-awaited B-21 Raider nuclear bomber in flight.
Unauthorized photos taken by citizens have already surfaced near Edwards Air Force Base, but the new photos offer the first authorized look at the aircraft in the air.
Despite its considerable wingspan of 40 m and mass of 31,751 kg, the B-21 Raider is designed with a stealth profile aimed at avoiding detection. The aircraft, manufactured by the company Northrop Grumman, should become the third component of the US nuclear deterrent by the 2050s.
Transitioning from ground tests to flight tests around November 2023, officials initially withheld the airworthiness of the B-21 until video evidence surfaced of the X platform.
The nuclear triad
Recently released photos from the Combined Test Force B-21 show the bomber in three different scenarios: parked in a hangar, landing with the wheels down and in full flight. While the new photos don’t provide a comprehensive technical briefing, they do reveal a few key features.
Observers may note the aircraft’s tapered nose, the stealthy trailing edges of the flying wing’s fuselage, and the radar-deflecting design of the undercarriage flaps. Additionally, the red-colored pitot tube, which is used to collect flight data during testing, is visible but will not be part of the operational equipment.
Also noticeable are the engine air vents and an open hatch on the top surface, probably the intake for the auxiliary engine. The B-21 Raider is being developed to work with, and eventually replace, the current fleet of B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, strengthening the air arm of America’s nuclear triad.
Its stealth capabilities and high speed are intended to enable deep penetration into enemy airspace to deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads.
“Tests are progressing well”
The bomber is expected to enter service by the mid-2020s, with a minimum production target of 100 aircraft.
“We’re in a flight test program that’s progressing well,” Air Force Acquisition Executive Director Andrew Hunter said during Senate testimony, adding, “Because of what flight test programs are designed for, that helps us to learn about the unique features of this platform, but in a very, very efficient way.”
The release of the new photos marks a significant milestone in the development of the B-21 Raider, offering the public and military enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the future of America’s strategic bombing capabilities.
