B-21 Raider

The United States Air Force (USAF) Long Range Strike-Bomber (LRS-B), now the B-21 Raider, is a new generation long-range bomber being developed as replacement for the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber and the B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber. The new aircraft may benefit from advanced stealth technology and aerodynamics as well as unmanned aircraft technology which may render the aircrew unnecessary with a dramatic increase of flight endurance. The USAF expects the new bomber to enter service in the 2020-2030 timeframe replacing the B-2A and the B-1B fleets and a limited number of B-52H bombers which may stay in the active duty well into the 21st century. The early USAF plans for the procurement of 100 aircraft but that figure may decrease with projected budget cuts. The LRS-B design responds to a twin-engine flying wing half the size of the B-2 Spirit. The aircraft may feature improved stealth characteristisc and higher flight altitude. The US Air Force awarded the LRS-B development contract to Northrop Grumman on October 27, 2015. In September 2016 the US Air Force named the B-21 the Raider. In early 2021 the USAF requirement was for 200 bombers. In 2025, the requirement was for 100-145 bombers.

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a002918