U.S. Air Force is developing a fleet of stealthy B-21 bombers, with six in progress and more expected

The U.S. Air Force has announced that at least six B-21 Raider stealth bombers are currently in various stages of production, with reports indicating that one has already entered flight testing as of November 2023, according to several informed sources. While specific details are closely guarded, it is evident that Northrop Grumman is diligently manufacturing these advanced bombers with minimal publicity.

The exact production rate of the B-21 remains classified; however, industry insiders estimate that the Air Force is producing approximately seven units annually. This relatively low output appears to be a strategic decision aimed at safeguarding the program from potential budget reductions, particularly in light of the recent decision by the White House to halt the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter initiative.

In addition, Northrop Grumman has obtained a second contract for the B-21, which is expected to deliver the next set of bombers at a significantly reduced cost by the end of 2024. CEO Kathy Warden confirmed this during an earnings call on January 30, emphasizing that the company is advancing rapidly through the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase.

Despite the challenges posed by political pressures, the future of the B-21 appears secure, and it is poised to become a key component of the Air Force’s long-term strategic framework.

The United States Air Force (USAF) has made the decision to commence production of the B-21 Raider after several years dedicated to its development, testing, and planning. This move to initiate low-rate initial production (LRIP) was authorized by William LaPlante, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in early 2024, following successful ground and flight tests that confirmed the aircraft’s readiness for manufacturing.

Initially, the USAF planned to acquire 100 B-21 Raiders, establishing this figure as the program of record, with production anticipated to extend into the mid-to-late 2030s. However, recent discussions and evaluations indicate that this initial order quantity may be subject to change.

Northrop Grumman, the lead contractor for the B-21, has noted that the Air Force is conducting a review of its force structure, which could result in modifications to the number of bombers being ordered.

There are indications that production capacity could be increased if necessary, with some officials suggesting that strategic considerations and potential cost efficiencies from economies of scale might lead to a higher order of B-21s.

Conversely, there is no conclusive information suggesting a reduction in the order. The Air Force is adopting a cautious approach, emphasizing a production rate that maintains resilience against budgetary fluctuations, drawing lessons from the F-35 program, where rapid production increases resulted in significant cost overruns.

The current strategy focuses on initiating production at a low rate, gradually ramping it up, and ensuring that each production phase is in line with technological advancements and strategic requirements.

The discussion surrounding the production numbers of the B-21 is shaped by overarching military strategies, particularly the integration of the Raider with other advanced systems such as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, alongside the balancing act between budget limitations and strategic necessities.

Currently, the official target stands at 100 bombers; however, the ongoing review of force structure may lead to adjustments in this number. An increase could occur if the strategic landscape necessitates it or if the Air Force determines that such an expansion is both economically feasible and operationally advantageous.

Developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force, the B-21 Raider is the latest addition to the USAF’s long-range strike bomber fleet. This stealth bomber is engineered to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems and conduct precision strikes with both conventional and nuclear munitions.

The B-21 marks a significant advancement over its predecessors, the B-2 Spirit and B-1 Lancer, incorporating sixth-generation technologies to ensure its effectiveness against emerging threats.

The design of the B-21 Raider builds on the flying-wing architecture of the B-2, while introducing several enhancements. It boasts a more sophisticated low-observable design that further reduces its radar cross-section compared to the B-2, achieved through features such as deeply recessed engine inlets, dual-wheel main landing gear, distinctive trapezoidal windscreens, and advanced radar-absorbing materials. The aircraft’s external dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the B-2, emphasizing improved range and stealth capabilities.

In terms of propulsion, the B-21 is equipped with two stealth-optimized engines, likely the Pratt & Whitney PW 9000s or F-135s, each capable of producing over 11,400 kg of thrust. These engines are specifically designed to minimize both thermal and radar signatures, enabling the bomber to operate undetected in contested environments.

The B-21’s avionics suite represents cutting-edge technology, utilizing multi-sensor fusion that combines radar, infrared, and electronic warfare data into a unified operational interface. This integration significantly improves the aircraft’s situational awareness and enhances its self-defense capabilities against hostile air defenses.

In terms of electronic warfare, the B-21 is equipped with advanced systems designed to jam, deceive, and evade sophisticated radar and missile defense systems, thereby bolstering the aircraft’s survivability in high-threat environments.

For armament, the B-21 features an internal weapons bay capable of carrying up to 50,000 pounds of munitions. This arsenal includes conventional bombs, precision-guided munitions, and nuclear-capable bombs or missiles.

The bomber’s open architecture design facilitates the incorporation of future weaponry without extensive modifications, ensuring it remains adaptable to emerging threats. It can deploy a combination of stand-off and direct-attack munitions, including the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile and the B61-12 guided free-fall bomb, among others.

Additionally, the B-21 Raider boasts sophisticated networking capabilities, allowing it to interface with other military assets for coordinated operations or to function as a battle management platform. Its software architecture is designed to be open, enabling swift upgrades and the integration of new systems or software patches, which is essential for maintaining a competitive advantage over adversaries.

The aircraft’s manufacturing process employs digital design and modeling techniques, minimizing risks related to production and maintenance. Northrop Grumman has adopted a strategy where the initial test aircraft are constructed as production representatives, complete with mission systems and utilizing production tooling and processes. This method ensures a seamless transition from development to full-scale production.

The maintenance of the B-21 is a key focus, with initiatives aimed at simplifying and reducing the costs associated with upkeep compared to earlier stealth bombers. The integration of virtual reality in maintenance tasks, such as Northrop Grumman’s Highly Immersive Virtual Environment (HIVE), enables technicians to train using a digital representation of the aircraft, allowing them to detect potential problems before they manifest in real life.

The B-21 Raider transcends the role of a traditional bomber; it is engineered to adapt alongside advancing technology, ensuring that the U.S. Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities remain strong in the face of emerging threats. With intentions to procure a minimum of 100 units, the B-21 is poised to become a fundamental element of the U.S. nuclear triad, working in conjunction with the B-52 Stratofortress and other future systems to uphold strategic deterrence.