Benefitting from more than three
decades of strike and stealth technology innovation, the B-21 is the next
evolution of the US Air Force strategic bomber fleet and the world’s first
sixth generation aircraft to reach the skies.
When it comes to delivering
America’s resolve, the Raider will provide the Air Force with long range, high
survivability and mission payload flexibility. The B-21 will penetrate the
toughest defences for precision strikes anywhere in the world. Here is what you
need to know about Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider as it continues flight test.
Sixth
Generation. The B-21 Raider is setting
standards for sixth-generation technology. On the outside, next gen stealth and
advancements in low observable processes will make the aircraft easier and less
costly to maintain than prior systems. Inside, the B-21’s open architecture
will enable rapid upgradability from inclusion of new weapons to software
upgrades thanks to advanced networking capabilities and successful cloud
environment migration. With these innovations, the B-21 is designed to meet
evolving threats for decades to come.
Partnership
Approach. The B-21 Raider programme is
reimagining traditional acquisition processes. Through active contract
management, Northrop Grumman and the Air Force have worked in a partnership
focused on shared success over the long term. The teams’ focus on transparency
is evident in the industry-first data sharing agreement that provides the end
user with access to valuable data, including the B-21 digital twin.
Backbone
of the Fleet. The B-21 Raider forms the backbone
of the future for US air power. The B-21 will deliver a new era of capability and
flexibility through advanced integration of data, sensors and weapons. Capable
of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads, the B-21 will be one of
the most effective aircraft in the sky, with the ability to use a broad mix of
standoff and direct attack munitions.
Production
Focus. A key strategy of the programme
was to build a production representative first test aircraft. Rather than a
prototype, the B-21 test aircraft is equipped with mission systems and was
built by the same manufacturing technicians using the same processes and
tooling for production aircraft. The body of knowledge and experience gleaned
in the development process supports a smooth transition into production on the
path to delivering operational capability.
A Digital
Aircraft. Northrop Grumman uses agile
software development and digital engineering tools to mitigate production risk
and enable modern sustainment practices for the B-21 programme. Ground testing
demonstrated the efficacy of digital modeling with results that outperformed
industry standards, paving the way for next gen platforms and systems.
Advanced
Manufacturing. By embracing the benefits of
advanced manufacturing, Northrop Grumman invested in a digital ecosystem for
the B-21 throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. From training and augmented
reality tools allowing technicians to visualise tasks and solve problems before
ever touching the plane, to easing integration of supplier parts on the
aircraft, these advancements have reduced risk, supported efficiency and cultivated
expertise throughout the manufacturing workforce.
A National
Team. Since contract award in 2015,
Northrop Grumman has assembled a nationwide team to design, test and build the
world’s most advanced strike aircraft. The B-21 team includes more than 8,000
personnel from Northrop Grumman, industry partners and the Air Force, with more
than 400 suppliers across 40 states. The partnership approach extends to the
flight test campaign. Initially stood up in 2019, the B-21 Combined Test Force
is comprised of Northrop Grumman and Air Force personnel working together to
conduct flight test operations prior to aircraft delivery.
Sustainment
at the Forefront. Sustainment was a programme
priority throughout the B-21 programme’s design phase. In addition to driving
efficiency over the long term, this approach yields more near-term benefits and
sets the B-21 further along on tech data, materiel readiness and training which
will benefit the user community upon fielding.
Global
Reach. The B-21 Raider is pivotal to supporting
the nation’s strategic deterrence strategy. In addition to its advanced
long-range precision strike capabilities that will afford Combatant Commanders
the ability to hold any target, anywhere in the world at risk, it is designed
as the lead component of a larger family of systems that will deliver
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic attack and
multi-domain networking capabilities. In a dynamic global security environment,
the B-21 will provide the flexibility and deterrence critical to the security
of the US and allies.
Continuing
the Legacy. The B-21 Raider is named in honour
of the Doolittle Raid of World War II when 80 airmen, led by Lt. Col. James
“Jimmy” Doolittle, and 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers set off on a mission that
changed the course of the war. The raid was a catalyst to a multitude of future
progress in US air superiority and serves as the inspiration behind the Raider
name and the pioneering, innovative spirit instilled across the workforce
bringing the B-21 to life.
Courtesy:
Northrop Grumman Corporation