US Air Force debuts first stealth bomber in 30 years friday is expected to be the day when the B-21 Raider stealth bomber is shown off to the world.
It is designed to eventually replace the ageing B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit aircraft, which are now the backbone of the US Air Force’s bomber fleet.
Despite its size, the B-21 is reportedly within the $25.1bn budget the US Air Force allocated it in 2010. This bomber has been developed by Northrop Grumman, which apparently learned from its mistakes in the F-35 and B-2 programs.
A generation ahead of its time, the 34-year-old B-2 Spirit set a new standard. Its radar signature was minute due to the advanced materials coating it. And the shape of the airframe and engine inlets.
By doing so, the aircraft was able to launch long-range strike missions in heavily defended areas, something other bombers like the venerable B-1 would not be capable of.
Without any warning, the B-2 can destroy high-value targets deep in enemy territory undetected.
Why is the B-21 different from its predecessor?
B-21 Raider speed?
Reports have leaked some details of Northrop Grumman’s programme, which has been highly classified.
The B-21 Raider clearly borrows many of its designs from its predecessor, such as its flying wing concept and embedded engines.
Aircraft sizes are slightly smaller than B-2s, and payloads almost halved.
As a fast stealth bomber, it won’t beat the B-2 stealth bomber, which introduced in 1988 but isn’t as advanced as then.
Despite this, it is significantly cheaper, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance cost. The B-2 was exceedingly expensive to maintain, but the B-21 will require far fewer man hours and money.
Buying cheaper planes in greater numbers is more likely. If costs can kept down, the number of aircraft may rise from 100 to 200.
Have you heard the news – B 21 raider reveal
The B-21’s stealth is one of its most important qualities, but it is not the only one. As a whole, the Air Force and the US military are constructing a distributed network of long-range sensors and strike platforms that transmit and share vast amounts of information.
The B-21 perfectly suited to this strategic network, able to gather information about potential enemies and conduct strikes. The aircraft can transmit and gather information to friendly aircraft, satellites, radars and more, and it can destroy targets within its range as well.
It will carry out long-range attacks, but also gather and share intelligence so that its weapons can target multiple targets simultaneously.
Using open-source software, the aircraft can easily upgraded, ensuring it remains flexible and cutting-edge while extending its useful life.
There are enough weapons bays in the aircraft to carry the JASSM (Joint Air to Surface Stand-off Missile), along with other conventional and nuclear weapons.
B-21 Raider stealth bomber – B-21 raider cost
If the aircraft is to survive, all of these attributes must be present. A quantum radar could detect stealth aircraft already as a result of advances in quantum technology. A Chinese military radar claims to detect even the stealthiest aircraft, but Western experts dismiss the claim.
However, given the obvious military applications, this is an area of intense focus. A quantum radar that actually worked would erase the significant advantages US stealth aircraft have enjoyed for decades. Unseen and invulnerable aircraft can detected and brought down.
B-21s are a deadly aircraft even without stealth because of their other attributes. It will be able to identify the enemy from a long distance and will be able to destroy its own assets as it gains greater information than its rivals.
B-21’s ability to gather, absorb and assimilate vast amounts of data, and its sensor technology at the cutting edge will make it a powerful weapon.
After Friday’s rollout, the B-21 will undergo constant tests on the ground and in the air under a variety of conditions (before its finally inducted into the US Air Force).
In the airspace of an adversary, it would be a surprise, making it one of the most feared weapons. This deterrent factor will consider by any competitor considering military action.
After seeing the USA field stealth fighters for decades, China is now researching its own stealth fighter, the Xian H-20. A number of aircraft will challenge the B-21 Raider.
