The Air Force released new images of its secret new nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, showing the plane at never-before-seen angles.
Images of the plane, which is being developed by Northrop Grumman, were posted last week on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website, showing the new bomber from both the front and a quartering angle.
The new stealth bomber is being deployed to replace the current B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2027.
By 2040, the B-21 is expected to completely replace older bombers.
“The B-21 Raider will be the backbone of the bomber fleet and will gradually replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers as enough B-21s become available,” reads a description of the plane on the website. of DVIDS. “The next-generation bomber will provide penetrating, long-range and survivable strike capabilities to deter aggression and protect the United States, its allies and partners.”
Until the two most recent photos of the B-21 were released last week, images of the new aircraft have been a closely guarded secret.
The new stealth bomber is being launched to replace the current B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit.US Air Force
Previously released images of the B-21 during its unveiling in December showed the plane directly from the front of the cockpit, slightly elevated above the plane.
The new images show the front of the B-21 from the front at ground level, revealing the scale of the aircraft for the first time.
Another image shows the plane at a quarter angle, revealing design elements never before seen.
Each bomber costs approximately $700 million to produce. US Air Force
According to a Pentagon estimate last year, the B-21 Raider will cost nearly $700 million per plane.
The first test flight of the new bomber is expected to take place later this year.
“It is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation and is a testament to the department’s long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities that strengthen America’s ability to deter aggression, today and in the future,” he said. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about the plane. after its presentation in December.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn