✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | B-21 |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 2023 |
| Length | 16.2 m (53.2 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 0.95 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 1,000 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 15,000 m (49,215 ft) |
| Range | 9,000 km (5,589 mi) |
| Engine | 2x Pratt & Whitney F135 derivative |
| Crew | 2 |
| Status | Active |
Overview
The B-21 Raider is America’s newest stealth bomber and the most advanced aircraft ever built. Unveiled in December 2022, it represents the next generation of stealth technology—designed from the ground up to penetrate the most advanced integrated air defense systems of the 2030s and beyond, including those of China and Russia.
Design & Development
Much of the B-21’s capabilities remain classified. What is known: it uses an advanced flying-wing design similar to but smaller than the B-2, with next-generation stealth coatings, open-architecture mission systems, and the ability to serve as a node in a networked battle space. It can operate as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform and may eventually operate unmanned.
Operational History
The B-21 made its first flight on November 10, 2023 from Palmdale, California. The USAF plans to acquire at least 100 B-21s at approximately $700 million each (significantly less than the B-2). It will gradually replace both the B-2 Spirit and B-1B Lancer, becoming the backbone of America’s bomber fleet.
Key Advances Over B-2
- More affordable and maintainable stealth coatings
- Open mission systems architecture for rapid upgrades
- Nuclear and conventional capable from day one
- Designed for optional unmanned operation
- Can control loyal wingman drones
Armament
- Internal bays (classified capacity)
- B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs
- JDAM GPS-guided bombs
- LRSO cruise missiles (planned)
- Potentially hypersonic weapons
- Future: directed energy weapons
Full weapons suite remains classified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the B-21 Raider?
The B-21’s speed is classified. It is believed to be subsonic, optimized for stealth like the B-2.
What makes the B-21 different from the B-2?
The B-21 is smaller, cheaper, more maintainable, with next-gen stealth, AI capabilities, and can be optionally unmanned.
How many B-21s will be built?
The USAF plans at least 100 aircraft. Currently in flight testing (first flight November 10, 2023).
When will the B-21 enter service?
Expected around 2026-2027. It will replace both the B-2 Spirit and B-1B Lancer.