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B-21 Raider (Stealth Bomber) Fighter Jet

B-21 Raider (Stealth Bomber) Fighter Jet

Brand: Northrop Grumman
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation Sixth
Maximum Speed Estimated Mach 0.95
No. of Engines 2 (Estimated)
Radar Range Classified

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	B-21 Raider
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Strategic Stealth Bomber
Generation	Sixth
Status	Pre-production / Testing
First Flight	2023
Introduction / In Service Since	Expected 2027
Number Built	6 (prototypes)
Operators	U.S. Air Force

Dimensions & Structure

Length	~65 ft (20 m)
Wingspan	~172 ft (52 m)
Height	~20 ft (6 m)
Wing Area	Classified
Empty Weight	Classified
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~170,000 lb (estimated)
Internal Weapons Bay	2
External Hardpoints	None (stealth configuration)

Performance

Maximum Speed	~Mach 0.95
Range	>6,000 nautical miles
Combat Radius	~2,500+ nautical miles
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (estimated)
Rate of Climb	Classified
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	Classified
G Limits	Unknown

Powerplant

Engine Type	Turbofan (classified)
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	Estimated 17,000–19,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Classified

Armament

Gun	None
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	None
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	JASSM-ER, LRASM, Hypersonic (future)
Bombs	B61, B83, JDAM, nuclear payloads
Hardpoints	Internal only
Payload Capacity	~30,000 lb (estimated)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AESA radar (classified type)
Radar Range	Classified
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated AI-driven EW suite
Targeting System	Advanced multi-spectral targeting
Helmet Display	N/A
Navigation	GPS/INS with AI correction
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Yes (autonomous capability)
Communication	Encrypted satellite and data-link systems

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Extremely low (classified)
Stealth Features	Flying wing, RAM coatings, edge alignment
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine shielding, thermal management
Sensor Fusion	Full-spectrum digital integration
Networking Capabilities	Joint all-domain command connectivity

Variants

Special Export Versions

None (U.S.-only program)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None (pre-service)
Notable Operators	USAF, Ellsworth AFB
Combat Proven?	No
Mission Types	Strategic strike, nuclear deterrence, ISR

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$692 million (FY2022 estimate)
Development Cost	~$25 billion (program total)
Program Name	Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B)
Funding Countries	United States

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Hypersonic integration, drone control capability
Future Replacement	None (expected to serve through 2050s)
Export Restrictions	Strictly U.S.-only
Notable Achievements	First fully digital stealth bomber
Competitors	China’s H-20, Russia’s PAK DA

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Next-generation stealth and low radar cross-section
Dual conventional and nuclear capability
Modular design allows rapid system upgrades
AI-assisted mission and maintenance systems
Long-range global strike capability

CONS

Extremely high development and unit cost
Limited publicly available performance data
Dependence on classified technologies
Maintenance-intensive stealth coatings
Potential vulnerability to evolving air defenses

B-21 Raider (Stealth Bomber): America’s Next-Generation Stealth Bomber

The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider represents the cutting edge of U.S. strategic deterrence and long-range strike capability. Designed as a sixth-generation stealth bomber, it succeeds the B-2 Spirit, blending stealth, range, and digital adaptability. Developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program, the B-21 aims to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads deep into contested airspace.

Design and Capabilities

Crafted with an emphasis on low observability, the B-21 employs next-generation radar-absorbing materials, sensor fusion, and modular open-systems architecture for future upgrades. Its flying wing configuration minimizes radar signature while maximizing internal weapons capacity. The aircraft’s AI-assisted mission management, advanced networking, and multi-domain interoperability enable it to operate with autonomous drones and allied systems.

The B-21 has an estimated combat radius exceeding 2,500 nautical miles, with global reach when supported by aerial refueling. While official performance data remains classified, analysts expect it to cruise near subsonic speeds similar to the B-2, optimized for endurance and stealth over speed. The bomber will carry a variety of precision-guided munitions, including JASSM-ER, B61 nuclear bombs, and hypersonic weapons in the future.

Strategic Role

Expected to enter service by 2027, the B-21 will form the backbone of America’s future bomber fleet, replacing both the B-1B and B-2. Its combination of digital stealth, AI-enabled operations, and global strike reach ensures U.S. air dominance well into the 21st century.

Field	Example
B-21A	Base production model (USAF)
Special Export Versions	None (U.S.-only program)

Reviews

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