Just over a week after its arrival at Edwards Air Force Base was confirmed, Northrop Grumman announced that the second B-21 Raider stealth bomber of the U.S. Air Force will focus its flight testing on weapons and mission systems trials, while also incorporating several design changes compared to the first aircraft delivered to the service. That initial aircraft has been conducting frequent test flights since November 2023, primarily evaluating airworthiness in preparation for the arrival of additional aircraft that will become the backbone of the USAF bomber fleet.
On this matter, the company stated: “(Editor’s note: The arrival of the second aircraft) complements a robust ground test campaign that includes multiple B-21 aircraft. Engineers have rigorously tested the B-21 to certify its ability to fly under the most extreme mission conditions and are demonstrating its durability through lifetime flight condition simulations. The results of these tests consistently exceed digital model predictions, reinforcing confidence in the B-21’s performance and progress.”
In line with the division of roles assigned to each B-21 in these initial stages, local observers and analysts pointed out that the second bomber no longer carries the so-called “leading-edge test boom” and “trailing cone,” elements used to measure aerodynamic speed data; one of the most relevant factors for the airworthiness testing carried out with the first aircraft.
It should be noted that the U.S. Air Force is expecting to complete its first batch of five B-21 aircraft, a number that may indicate those units intended for various testing campaigns before forming the rest of the fleet. Beyond airworthiness and weapons integration, the service is also assessing the design’s reliability under extreme weather conditions, its stealth qualities, and the performance of its sensors, among other critical aspects. For now, these activities are being conducted by the 420th Test Squadron based at Edwards.
Once these tests are completed, the service plans for the B-21 aircraft used in testing to also be available for full combat missions, with one or two possible exceptions, according to Air Force statements to specialized media. Reinforcing this point, Northrop Grumman executives highlighted that the first aircraft delivered to the USAF are being manufactured with tools and configurations nearly identical to those of the future production lots destined directly for operational service.
At present, the U.S. Air Force has not set a precise date for the conclusion of B-21 testing prior to achieving full operational status, though the arrival of additional aircraft is expected to accelerate this process considerably. This is further supported by significant congressional funding for the program, estimated at around $4.5 billion according to recent legislative proposals. Once that milestone is reached, the bombers are expected to be transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, allowing it to begin replacing its aging B-1B fleet, which is slated to be relocated to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.
Image credits: U.S. Air Force
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