Aerospace

B-21 Raider takes first flight. Nuclear stealth bomber Price, Operating cost and Features

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.

Much awaited first flight of the new Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider strategic bomber took place at Edwards Air Force Base.

🎥Matt Hartman#B21 #bomber #aircraft pic.twitter.com/o905Gs0QhH— FL360aero (@fl360aero) November 10, 2023

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.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.