The US Air Force’s groundbreaking B-21 “Raider” stealth bomber, designed in a distinctive flying wing shape, marked a historic milestone with its inaugural flight on Friday. The aircraft, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, soared into the skies from the Air Force’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, unveiling a first glimpse of the highly anticipated long-range nuclear-capable bomber. The unannounced flight, shrouded in security, commenced at 6:51 am, offering aviation enthusiasts and photographers an unscripted view of the B-21.
Developed to succeed its predecessor, the B-2, the B-21 inherits the iconic “flying wing” design and boasts the capability to deploy both conventional and nuclear weapons globally, facilitated by its extensive range and mid-air refueling capacities.
Projected to carry an estimated cost of around $550 million per aircraft in 2010 dollars, equivalent to approximately $750 million in today’s adjusted dollars, the Air Force has maintained the confidentiality of certain cost details, presenting challenges in validating the proposed expenses, as highlighted in a Congressional Research Service report from 2021.
