American multinational defense and aviation company Northrop Grumman said Thursday that its B-21 Raider continues its flight test campaign.
“Northrop Grumman’s #B21Raider is the first sixth-gen aircraft to reach the skies!” the company wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We’re proud to join our @usairforce partners in the execution of a robust flight test campaign led by a Combined Test Force out of Edwards Air Force Base in California,” the statement further read.
The company’s B-21 Raider continues its flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base, California, led by a Combined Test Force (CTF) comprised of Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force personnel.
CTF test pilots indicate the jet is performing as expected with the aircraft flying like the simulator, reflecting the precision of the digital environment on B-21.
The B-21 Raider draws upon over thirty years of advancements in strike and stealth technology, representing the next phase in the evolution of the Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet. Engineered with cutting-edge stealth technology, enhanced networking capabilities, and an adaptable systems architecture, the B-21 is specifically designed to excel in challenging threat environments. It is poised to fulfill a crucial role in enabling the Air Force to accomplish its most intricate missions.
The B-21 stands as a digital-era bomber, benefitting from Northrop Grumman’s utilization of agile software development, advanced manufacturing methods, and digital engineering tools. These approaches serve to minimize production uncertainties in the B-21 program and facilitate contemporary sustainment strategies.
When integrated into the U.S. Air Force, the B-21 will become a crucial component of the nation’s strategic triad, serving as a tangible and adaptable deterrent. Its role will be pivotal in advancing national security goals and providing assurance to the country’s allies and partners.