“Cerberus” in action: US intensively tests new B-21 Raider stealth bomber in California
The US Air Force says that flight tests are a critical stage for the stealth bomber. In the future, it will become the basis of the US nuclear triad.
The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is undergoing summer testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. This marks an important step in the development of the newest aircraft program. This was reported by The War Zone.
A US Air Force spokesman confirmed to reporters that the first B-21 Raider, nicknamed “Cerberus,” continues to fly. The source would not say how many flights have already been made or how many more are planned. It is known that the B-21 arrived at Edwards Air Force Base in California on November 10, 2023. That’s where the flights are held.
“The flight test is a critical step in the test campaign conducted by the Air Force Test Center and the Joint B-21 Test Force of the 412th Test Wing to ensure survivability, range, and penetration to deter aggression and strategic attacks against the United States, allies, and partners,” said an Air Force spokesman.
Observers have already noticed signs on the online flight tracking site that the flight could have taken place on January 17. A C-12 aircraft with the call sign Raider 13 was spotted. The aircraft with the same name was tested earlier.
It is expected that 6 more B-21 Raiders will be based at Edwards AFB. It has already been modernized for this purpose. The bombers are to enter service in the second half of this decade. The B-21 is to become the centerpiece of the US Armed Forces’ nuclear deterrent triad and will provide key long-range strike capabilities.
As a reminder, on November 10, the United States demonstrated the first flight of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber.
