On the eve of the first takeoff: the newest nuclear bomber B-21 Raider has started important tests
The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman begin taxiing tests of the B-21 Raider. This was reported by a representative of the military service.
The US Air Force did not disclose the details of the ground tests, but noted that this is an important step ahead of the first flight. In addition, the service has no plans to publish new photos of the nuclear bomber.
The B-21 Raider is positioned as the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft. It was unveiled in early December 2022 at the Northrop Grumman plant in Palmdale, California. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase approximately 100 nuclear bombers that will fly alongside the iconic B-52J Stratofortress aircraft for several decades.
The first pre-production B-21 Raider undergoes taxiing tests. Earlier this year, it was used for a ground test of the power plant. Five more bombers are at various stages of construction.
The six aircraft will form the basis of the test team, which will be deployed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The first flight of the B-21 Raider is expected by the end of 2023, but it is possible that it will take place in 2024. The US Air Force does not intend to force events and wants to minimize risks.
