For over 60 years, the United States of America Air Force has always had a strategic bomber force (B-52s). The bomber can drop or launch the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. It includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided missiles, and joint direct attack munitions.
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Now, the US Air Force has unveiled its newest bomber, the B-21. The B-21 Raider is the first new bomber unveiled by the US Air Force in almost 60 years.
The bomber is packed with technology and is reportedly worth $700 million. It was officially revealed at a ceremony last week Friday hosted by the manufacturer, Northrop Grumman.
The US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin said the bomber was significantly more advanced than anything currently in the US Air Force (USAF) fleet.
He said, “fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into this aircraft.”
He also added that it was “not just another airplane” and “not just another acquisition.”
He said, “it’s the embodiment of America’s determination to defend the republic that we all love. It’s a testament to our strategy of deterrence—with the capabilities to back it up, every time and everywhere.”
The US Air Force describes the aircraft as a highly survivable stealth bomber capable of delivering “a mix of conventional and nuclear munitions.”
The US Air Force says the B-21 Raider will form the backbone of the fleet.
Northrop Grumman, the President Kathy Warden says the aircraft has been designed for the force’s most complex missions.
“The B-21 Raider defines a new era in technology and strengthens America’s role of delivering peace through deterrence.”
During the ceremony, she said the aircraft was also “provisioned for the possibility” of flying without a crew on board.
The B-21 Raider Aircraft
The manufacturer is currently producing six planes for the USAF, but the Air Force has reportedly committed to introducing 100 B-21 planes to its fleet.
The bomber will gradually replace the ageing B-Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers that are currently in service.
The B-21 Raider is named in honour of the Doolittle Raids of World War II.
