// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
B-21 Raider
The B-21 Raider is the United States Air Force's newest long-range stealth bomber, designed to be virtually undetectable by enemy air defenses. It is intended to replace older bomber fleets and carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The B-21 Raider is a next-generation, heavy strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force (USAF) under the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program. This penetrating strike aircraft features advanced low-observable (stealth) technology to evade sophisticated integrated air defense systems (IADS) while delivering conventional and thermonuclear payloads globally.
BACKGROUND
The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is an American nuclear-capable subsonic stealth strategic bomber in development for the United States Air Force (USAF) by Northrop Grumman. Part of the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program, it is to be an intercontinental strategic bomber that can deliver conventional and thermonuclear weapons. Named "Raider" after the Doolittle Raiders of World War II, the B-21 is meant to complement the Rockwell B-1 Lancer and Northrop B-2 Spirit, replace them by 2040, and possibly replace the 1950s Boeing B-52 Stratofortress after that.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- LRS-B
- Long Range Strike Bomber
- Next-Gen Bomber
- Stealth Bomber
- The Raider
USAGE NOTE
The B-21 is frequently discussed in the context of modernizing the U.S. nuclear triad and maintaining air superiority against peer adversaries.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to B-21 Raider.
The prime contractor responsible for the design, development, and production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber for the U.S. Air Force.
A subsidiary of RTX Corporation, Pratt & Whitney is the manufacturer of the engines that power the B-21 Raider.
A key supplier for the B-21 program, providing advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems and other critical electronic components.
Responsible for manufacturing major aerostructures for the B-21, including large composite components of the aircraft's fuselage.
The government agency leading the acquisition and development program for the B-21 Raider, overseeing all aspects from design to delivery.
An RTX business, Collins Aerospace provides multiple advanced systems for the B-21, including communications, navigation, and flight control technologies.
Supplies critical aerostructures and advanced wiring systems for the B-21 Raider program, contributing to the aircraft's airframe and internal systems.
A specialist in composite materials and tooling, Janicki provides essential components and manufacturing support for the B-21's advanced stealth airframe.
The primary location for the flight test and evaluation of the B-21 Raider, conducted by the Air Force Test Center and the 412th Test Wing.