The highly anticipated inaugural flight of the B-21 Raider, the United States’ next-generation bomber, has been successfully completed. This futuristic “flying wing” bomber represents the successor to the long-serving B-2 bomber in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal.

The milestone flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base, with the B-21 Raider accompanied by a dedicated fighter aircraft serving as a chase plane to ensure the safety and oversight of this historic event.

B21 is estimated to be around $750 million.

An official spokesperson from the United States Air Force has verified that the B-21 Raider has entered the critical phase of flight testing, following its public debut in December 2022.

This cutting-edge aircraft carries a substantial price tag, estimated at $750 million each. It’s important to note that certain cost details are classified by the Air Force, making it challenging to validate the proposed costs.

B1, B2 Operating expense is $65,000

The U.S. Air Force’s ambitious plan involves acquiring a minimum of 100 of these advanced bombers to gradually replace the aging B-1 and B-2 aircraft.

This move is driven by the considerable operating expenses of the current fleet, with the B-1 costing approximately $60,000 per hour and the B-2 around $65,000 per hour, according to data from the Pentagon.

The B-21 Raider represents a significant leap forward in the United States arsenal of long-range nuclear-capable stealth bombers, proudly developed by Northrop Grumman.

The B-21 Raider, a product of more than three decades of innovation in strike and stealth technology, represents the next generation of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet and is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft.

The Raider offers the Air Force long-range capabilities, high survivability, and versatile mission payload options, making it capable of precise strikes in the most challenging environments globally.

Key Points about the B-21 Raider:

• Sixth Generation: The B-21 sets new standards for sixth-generation technology, featuring advanced stealth and low observable processes for easier and cost-effective maintenance. Its open architecture allows for rapid upgrades and adaptation to evolving threats.
• Partnership Approach: The B-21 Raider program reimagines traditional acquisition processes through a partnership between Northrop Grumman and the Air Force, emphasizing transparency and data sharing.
• The backbone of the Fleet: The B-21 Raider is the future cornerstone of U.S. air power, offering advanced integration of data, sensors, and weaponry for both conventional and nuclear missions.
• Production Focus: The program focuses on building a production-representative test aircraft equipped with mission systems, ensuring a smooth transition into full production.
• A Digital Aircraft: The B-21 leverages agile software development and digital engineering tools for enhanced production and sustainment practices.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing techniques are employed throughout the B-21’s lifecycle, reducing risk, enhancing efficiency, and promoting expertise in the manufacturing workforce.
• A National Team: A nationwide team consisting of over 8,000 personnel from Northrop Grumman, industry partners, and the Air Force, along with more than 400 suppliers across 40 states, collaborates on the B-21 project.
• Sustainment at the Forefront: Sustainment has been a priority from the design phase, ensuring long-term efficiency and immediate benefits.
• Global Reach: The B-21 Raider is crucial to the U.S. strategic deterrence strategy, offering advanced precision strike capabilities and being part of a larger system for various military functions.
• Continuing the Legacy: The B-21 Raider pays homage to the Doolittle Raid of World War II and its pioneering spirit, which changed the course of air superiority in the U.S. military.