New in 2024: With First B-21 Flight Done, Northrop Eyes Next Contract

Defense News ,U.S :- In a significant leap forward, the B-21 Raider, the U.S. Air Force highly anticipated stealth bomber, achieved its maiden flight in November, nearly a year following its grand unveiling in California. As it undergoes rigorous testing at Edwards Air Force Base, this cutting-edge aircraft, formally introduced in a ceremony in December 2022, is poised to usher in a new era of strategic capabilities.

The comprehensive testing program, managed by the Air Force Test Center and the 412th Test Wing B-21 Combined Test Force, encompasses both flight and ground tests, including essential taxiing assessments. With confirmation that at least six B-21s are either under construction by Northrop Grumman or undergoing testing, the program has entered the engineering and manufacturing development phase.

Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota is slated to receive its inaugural Raider in the mid-2020s, marking a crucial milestone in the fleet deployment strategy. The overarching plan involves procuring a minimum of 100 B-21s, designed to replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. This advanced stealth bomber is tailored for penetrating deep-strike missions and boasts the flexibility to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.

Anticipation surrounds Northrop Grumman expectation of securing a contract for the initial of five low-rate production lots by the end of 2023, a pivotal step that will propel the production process forward. However, challenges loom on the horizon, with inflation, labor issues, and persistent supply chain disruptions complicating the production timeline and leading to escalated cost estimates for low-rate initial production. Northrop officials acknowledged in earnings calls throughout 2023 that profitability might be elusive initially, with potential losses reaching up to $1.2 billion.

The establishment of the B-21 formal training unit at Ellsworth further underscores the significance of this base in the Raider operational readiness. Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas are slated to receive their own bombers in due course, aligning with availability. Meanwhile, Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma is set to play a crucial role in the maintenance and sustainment of the B-21 fleet, emphasizing the distributed operational support network envisioned for this advanced aircraft.