The U.S. Air Force released a photorealistic illustration of the new B-21 Raider. In this image, you see the aircraft taking off from Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Officials stated that the shipments of the new aircraft should begin in the middle of the decade. They have limited the amount of information to protect details about the B-21’s new classified technology.
In this image, you see that the B-21 Raider has more of a sleeker profile than its cousin, the B-2 Spirit. Both are made by the world’s largest weapon manufacturers and military technology providers, Northrop Grumman.
“When it comes to delivering America’s resolve, the B-21 Raider will be standing by, silent and ready. We are providing America’s warfighters with an advanced aircraft offering a combination of range, payload, and survivability. The B-21 Raider will be capable of penetrating the toughest defenses to deliver precision strikes anywhere in the world. The B-21 is the future of deterrence.” – Northrop Grumman
The U.S. Air Force will purchase at least 100 new B-21s, replacing its fleet of B-2s and B-1s. Officials have said they estimated the military needs 220 bombers – 75 B-52 Stratofortresses and 145 B-21 Raiders.
If you were wondering, the Air Force values the new B-21 at $639 million individually or $673 million today due to inflation. It is a fixed contract; therefore, if any overages, the cost falls onto the contractor, Northrop Grumman.
