USAF's next generation bomber named B-21 Raider

U.S. Air Force's next generation bomber has been officially named the B-21 Raider, revealed during the Air Force Association’s Air, ...

U.S. Air Force's next generation bomber has been officially named the B-21 Raider, revealed during the Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Sept. 19.


The designation B-21 recognizes the Raider as the first bomber of the 21st century.

The new generation strategic bomber is being developed by Northrop Grumman and will carry heritage of the stealthy B-2 Spirit bomber to reduce risk and cost of development.

The design is based on existing and mature technology, and is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase.

The B-21 featuring low observable stealth technology will be capable of penetrating the latest anti aircraft defenses coupled with long range and heavy conventional and nuclear payload capability.

Artistic rendering based on initial design resemble the B-2 bomber featuring Northrop's distinctive blended wing design with engine and exhaust buried deep in the wing root.

USAF plans to field the initial capability of the aircraft in mid-2020s.

The Raider will replace the subsonic B-52 and supersonic B-1B strategic bombers operated by USAF.