The renderings show the B-21 in hangars at the three locations where the nation’s newest stealth bomber will be housed – Dyess Air Force Base, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Whiteman Air Force Base
On January 21, 2020, the U.S. Air Force published updated artist conceptions of the B-21 Raider design. The B-21 shown in the renderings was being stored in hangars at the three bases that will house the country’s newest stealth bomber: Dyess Air Force Base, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Whiteman Air Force Base.
The Air Force is currently developing the B-21 Raider to replace its outdated B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. The B-21 will be a long-range, extremely resilient bomber aircraft that can transport a range of conventional and nuclear ordnance.
In order to launch precise strikes anywhere in the world, the B-21 Raider will be able to breach even the strongest defenses, which will be crucial for American national security.
The program, which has a developed and solid design, is moving on to manufacturing at Palmdale, California, where the first test aircraft will be developed.
“The first flight of the Raider will take it from Palmdale to Edwards AFB, where the legacy of excellence will continue with the reactivation of the 420th Flight Test Squadron,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan, during the Air Force Association’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, Sep. 16, 2019.
This tradition of excellence began on July 17, 1989, when the world’s first stealth bomber, the B-2 Spirit, took off from Plant 42 in Palmdale, operated by Northrop Grumman, and landed at Edwards AFB, where the 420th FLTS would conduct developmental testing.
As stated by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the B-21 Raider “will support America’s defense strategy by forming the backbone of the Air Force’s future strike and deterrent capabilities.”
The B-21 will complete the nuclear triad as a visible and adaptable nuclear deterrent, providing assurance to our allies and partners while advancing goals for national security. There will be at least 100 B-21 Raiders purchased by the Air Force.
Photo by U.S. Air Force
