New B-21 Raider bomber: slow progress in readiness

< IMG SRC = "/Uploads/Blogs/54/BD/IB-1IM52DO6D_2A6BBB1CB.jpg" Alt = "New Bombard B-21 RAIDER: Slow progress in readiness"/> ~ ~ ~ ~ < P > Treating, the new B-21 Raider bomber will take the most important place in the US strategy: two of the three current models of American strategic bombers are preparing to retire.

~ < p >According to the manufacturer of a new bomber, Northrop Grumman, B-21 Raider is successfully undergoing flight tests. Tom Jones, President of Northrop Aviation Division, March 5 this year presented the AFA Warfare Symposium Symposium audiences first in a few months in information about B-21, stating that it is “very pleased” < p >< Em > focus & nbsp; translating & nbsp; nbsp; nbsp & nbsp; NBSP; departures.

< H2 > Slow progress B-21

< P > The future bomber of the sixth generation B-21 Raider has been undergoing flight tests for about a year. The program remains strictly classified, so the news from Jones became rare lasses of information about mysterious bombard.

< p >According to Air & amp; Space Force Magazine, Jones said “Progress B-21 is ahead of expectations” and “good prospects” are visible in terms of the plane's characteristics. He also said that in the first year of work on B-21 was made only one shift in software.

< P > Jones explained the first successes of the program with rigid terrestrial tests in addition to “more than a thousand flight hours at a flying test stand, which evaluates B-21 internal systems, including hardware and software, navigation and communication complexes.” Flying test stand & mdash; It is a plane modified for testing new systems; In the case of B-21, an existing plane that does not belong to the B-21 family has been converted to carry and test new systems that will eventually be included in B-21.

< p >The use of ground tests and a flying test stand made it possible to optimize the B-21 testing process and “approximately 50% reduce the time required to certify software collections, which is quite impressive”, & mdash; Jones told.

< h2 > when b-21 will be ready ?

< p > Jones asked if Northrop would accelerate the production of B-21 or even build more units than it was initially; The US Air Force is expected to buy about a hundred B-21. Jones did not give a clear answer, saying, “After all, the administration … must determine the required number of bombers.” He added: “My duty & mdash; make sure that the Air Force has the opportunity to help officials make this decision.”

< p >Having come into operation, the new B-21 Raider bomber will take the most important place in the US strategy: two of the three current models of American strategic bombers are preparing to retire. B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit is already prepared for writing off to free up space for B-21. After removing the B-2 B-21 weapons will become the only stealth bomber in the USA & MDASH; and perhaps all other countries.

< P > B-21 joins the B-52 StratoFortress in the list of US strategic bombers, and their comparison seems quite interesting. The B-52 first climbed into the air in the 1950s and became one of the most durable US military aircraft, arming long before the B-1 and B-2. At the same time, the B-21 will be a completely new and stuffed new aircraft & mdash; A decent high-tech rival for an eight-engine B-52. Together this pair will give the US a full range of strategic capabilities for delivery of both conventional and nuclear weapons.

< h2 > About the author

< p > Harrison Cass & mdash; A journalist who writes about defense and national security, with more than 1000 articles on topics related to international problems. A lawyer, a pilot, a guitarist and a professional hockey player, Harrison served as a US Air Force pilot, but was demobilized for health. He received a bachelor's degree at Leak Freestores College, Doctor of Jurisprudence at Oregon University and a Master's Degree at New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.