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B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber

B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber

Brand: Northrop Grumman
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed Approx. 600+ mph (estimated)
Range 6,000+ miles
Payload Capacity ~30,000 lb (estimated)
Crew 2

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	B-21 Raider
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	Expected 2027
Status	Pre-production / Testing
Category	Long-range stealth bomber
Crew	2
Unit Cost	Approx. $700 million (estimated)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	~69 ft (estimated)
Wingspan	~137 ft
Height	~20 ft
Wing Area	Classified
Empty Weight	Classified
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~150,000 lb (estimated)

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	600+ mph (est.)
Range	6,000+ miles
Combat Radius	~2,500 miles
Service Ceiling	~50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	Classified

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	2 × Pratt & Whitney (classified model)
Thrust (per engine)	Estimated 17,000–19,000 lbf
Total Thrust	~34,000–38,000 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	~30,000 lb
Weapons Bay	2 internal bays
Compatible Weapons	Nuclear gravity bombs, JASSM-ER, hypersonic missiles
Hardpoints	None (stealth configuration)

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Advanced AESA radar
Navigation	GPS/INS hybrid
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Full-spectrum self-protection
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent coatings, low IR signature

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	None (testing phase)
Notable Missions	Initial test flights, 2023–present

8. Additional Information

Variants	None confirmed
Successor / Future Replacement	Future unmanned strategic bomber concepts
Notable Features	AI-assisted systems, modular avionics
Estimated Operational Life	2050+

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

9.4

Stealth Capability 10 / 10
Payload Capacity 9 / 10
Range & Endurance 10 / 10
Electronic Warfare 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 9 / 10

B-21 Raider: The Future Backbone of U.S. Strategic Airpower

Developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force (USAF), the B-21 Raider is a sixth-generation long-range stealth bomber designed to replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets. Officially unveiled in 2022, the Raider represents a new era in strategic deterrence—combining advanced stealth, digital engineering, and multi-domain connectivity to penetrate the most contested airspaces on Earth.

Design and Capabilities

The B-21 Raider employs a flying-wing design similar to its predecessor, the B-2, but features next-generation radar-absorbent materials and a low-observable airframe to reduce radar cross-section across multiple spectrums. It is optimized for both nuclear and conventional strike missions, making it a key element of the U.S. nuclear triad.

Equipped with AI-assisted mission systems, open-architecture avionics, and cloud-based logistics, the B-21 can adapt rapidly to future threats. Its range is expected to exceed 6,000 miles, allowing it to strike deep within enemy territory without refueling. The bomber can carry a wide array of precision-guided munitions, including nuclear gravity bombs, JASSM-ER, and future hypersonic weapons.

Operational Role

Scheduled to enter service in the mid-2020s, the Raider will operate from bases such as Ellsworth AFB, Whiteman AFB, and Dyess AFB. Its modular design enables easier upgrades, ensuring relevance through the 2050s and beyond.

With the B-21, the United States strengthens its long-range strike capability, ensuring credible deterrence and global reach in an era of renewed great-power competition.

Reviews

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Stealth Capability:

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Payload Capacity:

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Electronic Warfare:

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