The US has the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft (and has just published new images): this is what the B-21 Raider looks like

We have known for years that the United States wants to gradually renew its bomber fleet consisting of the Rockwell B-1 Lancer, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. A key piece to materialize this movement is the new B-21 Raider, an ambitious sixth generation aircraft that already takes to the skies.

We first officially met the B-21 Raider in December 2022 and later, in November 2023, the Air Force announced its first flight. Each movement, however, has been carried out discreetly, so information about the project is not abundant, but this Friday some great official images have come to light.

The B-21 Raider in flight test

What is no secret is that the B-21 Raider still has a long way to go before entering service. The strategic bomber is located in the ground and air testing stage which takes place at Edward Base, Kern County, California. There, precisely, the bomber has been portrayed in the middle of his activities.

B-21 Raider

In the first image we can see the B-21 Raider flying at high altitude. The capture shows the left profile of the plane, which exposes the distinctive design that is part of its stealth qualities. In another image we see the plane flying at low altitude with the landing gear deployed. Lastly, the B-21 is shown in a hangar.

B-21 Raider

Northrop Grumman, the project contractor, is taking full advantage of these tests to define the necessary adjustments before starting the production process. They are expected to be manufactured at least 100 of these planes and that the first units enter service in the second half of this decade, so we will have to wait.

Among the most notable features of the B-21 we find an open architecture system that will allow its useful life to be extended over the years thanks to periodic updates. These will be carried out under the original platform, something that will save costs for the future. Also notable is the design designed for stealth.

Images | 412th Test Wing

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