Able to overfly targets without being detected by radar, the B21 Raider fighter was designed to hold its own against China
The United States this Friday (Dec 2, 2022) unveiled the new B21 Raider bomber. Manufactured by NorthropGrumman, it features stealth technology that is invisible to radar. This was the first military bomber model shown to the public by the US Air Force in 30 years and was designed to hold its own against China.
Costing about $700 million ($3.7 billion), the plane has a futuristic design and can fly thousands of kilometers to reach targets behind enemy lines without being detected by the most advanced antiaircraft defenses. The jet was launched on Friday night (December 2, 2022) in Palmdale, California.
According to the manufacturer, the B21 should offer long range and accuracy anywhere in the world. The plane’s first flight is scheduled to take place in 2023 or 2024.
Watch the launch (2min45s):
See photos by NorthropGrumman:
Northrop Grumman artist image of the B21 Raider
US Air Force image of the B21
The launch of the plane marks the first investment in a $1 trillion military package. The project will also include new nuclear submarines and landbased missiles. The B21 will be capable of carrying nuclear weapons and flying unpiloted, according to aircraft manufacturer Northrop Grumman Corp.
According to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, “The advantage of the B21 is that it lasts for decades.”
The manufacturer is still producing 6 B21 aircraft, which are expected to enter service between 2026 and 2027. NorthropGrumman also said he was using “new manufacturing techniques and materials,” but gave no details.
“The B21 is a testament to the best of America’s dynamic and diverse industrial base. It’s that kind of breakthrough that makes us great, and that kind of breakthrough doesn’t come suddenly. It takes investment. collaboration is required. And it needs partnership.” he wrote Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on his Twitter account.
correction
Dec 4, 2022 (11:25 am) Contrary to what was published in this report, the conversion of US$700 million does not correspond to R$1.04 billion, but to R$3.7 billion.