Current:Home > MyThe Air Force’s new nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, has taken its first test flight-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
The Air Force’s new nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, has taken its first test flight
View Date:2024-12-24 09:41:16
WASHINGTON (AP) — The B-21 Raider took its first test flight on Friday, moving the futuristic warplane closer to becoming the nation’s next nuclear weapons stealth bomber.
The Raider flew in Palmdale, California, where it has been under testing and development by Northrop Grumman.
The Air Force is planning to build 100 of the warplanes, which have a flying wing shape much like their predecessor the B-2 Spirit but will incorporate advanced materials, propulsion and stealth technology to make them more survivable in a future conflict. The plane is planned to be produced in variants with and without pilots.
“The B-21 Raider is in flight testing,” Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.
Such testing is a critical step in the campaign to provide “survivable, long-range, penetrating strike capabilities to deter aggression and strategic attacks against the United States, allies, and partners,” Stefanek said.
The B-21 Raider is the first new American bomber aircraft in more than 30 years, and almost every aspect of the program is classified. Both Northrop Grumman and the Air Force have tried to protect the program’s details to prevent China from gaining access to the weapon’s technology and building a similar version, as it has with other U.S. advanced weapons systems like the F-35 joint strike fighter.
The B-21 is part of the Pentagon’s efforts to modernize all three legs of its nuclear triad, which includes silo-launched nuclear ballistic missiles and submarine-launched warheads, as it invests in new weapons to meet China’s rapid military modernization.
Northrop Grumman Corp. is based in Falls Church, Virginia.
veryGood! (67369)
Related
- Gisele Bündchen Makes First Major Appearance Since Pregnancy
- South Carolina does not set a date for the next execution after requests for a holiday pause
- RHOBH's Kyle Richards Shares Reaction to BFF Teddi Mellencamp's Divorce
- Mega Millions winning numbers for November 8 drawing: Jackpot rises to $361 million
- RHOBH's Kyle Richards Addresses PK Kemsley Cheating Rumors in the Best Way Possible
- Man charged with murder in fatal shooting of 2 workers at Chicago’s Navy Pier
- Kennesaw State football coach Brian Bohannon steps down after 10 seasons amid first year in FBS
- Stock market today: Asian stocks decline as China stimulus plan disappoints markets
- Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
- Tony Todd, star of 'Candyman,' 'Final Destination,' dies at 69
Ranking
- Taylor Swift drops Christmas merchandise collection, including for 'Tortured Poets' era
- 1 dead, 2 children injured in wrong-way crash; driver suspected of DWI: Reports
- Firefighters make progress, but Southern California wildfire rages on
- IAT Community Introduce
- Suspect arrested after deadly Tuskegee University homecoming shooting
- Lane Kiffin puts heat on CFP bracket after Ole Miss pounds Georgia. So, who's left out?
- Judith Jamison, a dancer both eloquent and elegant, led Ailey troupe to success over two decades
- Rafael dissolves into a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico after hitting Cuba as a hurricane
Recommendation
-
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, is expected to make full recovery
-
Man charged with murder in fatal shooting of 2 workers at Chicago’s Navy Pier
-
Wisconsin’s high court to hear oral arguments on whether an 1849 abortion ban remains valid
-
Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
-
Oklahoma school district adding anti-harassment policies after nonbinary teen’s death
-
The Army’s answer to a lack of recruits is a prep course to boost low scores. It’s working
-
Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Details to Meri Why She Can't Trust Ex Kody and His Sole Wife Robyn
-
CRYPTIFII Introduce