Grumman’s $200 billion stealth bomber aims to replace B-52s and B-1s
After going almost 35 years with no new strategic bomber, the US Air Force started the Long Range Strike Bomber initiative in 2009 to design the most sophisticated bomber yet. This ambitious program took nearly a decade, culminating in Northrop Grumman’s development of a potential replacement for the B-52, B-1 Lancer, and B-2 Spirit.
In December 2022, the highly anticipated B-21 Raider stealth bomber was finally revealed by Grumman and the Air Force in an epic presentation, having a shape akin to the B-2 Spirit. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III stressed the B-21 as the first 21st-century bomber, stating that even advanced air defenses would have trouble spotting it.
The program began in 2009 to make a definitive successor to old bombers but slowed until 2015 when threats from rivals accelerated funding and work. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman applied, but Grumman got the contract in 2015 primarily for cost reasons, though the others initially disputed it. Grumman then continued on a prototype based on the B-2, which was originally meant to replace the B-52 and B-1.
At conferences in 2016, Air Force authorities announced the LRS-B would be called the B-21 bomber as America’s first 21st-century bomber. Then, retired Lt. Col. Richard Cole, the last surviving Doolittle Raider pilot, revealed it would be named Raider, honoring his brave WWII compatriots. In subsequent years, little more information emerged beyond leaks on the prototype aircraft.
It wasn’t until September 2022 that Grumman published an article listing ten facts about the B-21 Raider and its December unveiling. Grumman detailed that the Raider was built to be the backbone of the Air Force fleet, bringing new capabilities through integrating data, sensors, and weapons.
Grumman highlighted that the new stealth bomber would serve America’s deterrence strategy with global reach. Particular emphasis was given to the Raider’s sustainability, affordability, and advanced manufacturing. Grumman and the Air Force also successfully demonstrated migrating B-21 data to the cloud.
On December 2, 2022, the B-21 Raider stealth bomber was officially presented by the Air Force and Northrop Grumman at the advanced research facility in Palmdale, California. It is America’s first new strategic bomber in over 35 years and the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft.
During the dramatic debut, Secretary Austin stated the B-21 proves America’s enduring advantages in innovation, showing the Defense Department’s long-term commitment to advancing capabilities for deterrence now and in the future.
The Raider’s introduction was spectacular, with dynamic music and lighting unveiling its sleek silhouette. The iconic B-2 Spirit, the Raider’s predecessor, greeted the audience right away.
The white-painted airframe hints at new stealth technology. Reporters noted no visible seams, suggesting advanced materials integrating sensors and antennas into the frame. Secretary Austin remarked that it would be hard for adversaries to find, as over 50 years of stealth advances were utilized. Grumman’s President called the B-21 the start of a new technology era fortifying America’s peacekeeping role, an “aviation marvel” from cooperative efforts.
Theatrical lighting concealed certain sections, so details on propulsion, exhausts, and flight abilities remain classified. Comparisons suggest a smaller wingspan than the 172-foot B-2 Spirit. However, easy maintainability was emphasized through open architecture. Secretary Austin definitively stated the B-21 would safeguard America with innovative future armaments in crewed or uncrewed missions.
The B-21 Raider can carry conventional and nuclear weapons, including the JASSM missile, the GBU-53B StormBreaker bomb, the LRASM anti-ship missile, and gravity/standoff nuclear bombs such as the B61-12 gravity bomb, and the Long Range Stand Off missile.
According to the Defense Department and Grumman, the B-21 Raider is one of the most cost-effective bombers ever, at over $692 million per unit, relatively inexpensive for a bomber. But TIME Magazine revealed the overall program will cost taxpayers $203 billion over 30 years.
In early 2023, Grumman’s CFO expects a contract for the first of five low-rate initial production lots through the 2020s, but said schedule risks like inflation, labor, and supply chain issues remain. Grumman’s President noted the government’s commitment to buy at least 100 Raiders and said the first flight is still planned for 2023 after its impressive debut in December 2022.