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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/b-21-raider-first-test-flight-air-force-new-nuclear-stealth-bomber/

The B-21 Raider, the Air Force's new nuclear stealth bomber, takes
flight for first time
NOVEMBER 10, 2023 / 3:10 PM EST / CBS/AP

The B-21 Raider took its first test flight on Friday, moving the
futuristic warplane closer to becoming the nation's next nuclear weapons
stealth bomber.

The Raider flew in Palmdale, California, where it has been under testing
and development by Northrop Grumman.

The Air Force is planning to build 100 of the warplanes, which have a
flying wing shape much like their predecessor the B-2 Spirit but will
incorporate advanced materials, propulsion and stealth technology to
make them more survivable in a future conflict. The plane is planned to
be produced in variants with and without pilots.

"The B-21 Raider is in flight testing," Air Force spokeswoman Ann
Stefanek said.

Such testing is a critical step in the campaign to provide "survivable,
long-range, penetrating strike capabilities to deter aggression and
strategic attacks against the United States, allies, and partners,"
Stefanek said.

United States Bomber First Flight
The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is unveiled at Northrop Grumman, Dec. 2,
2022, in Palmdale, Calif.
MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ / AP
The B-21 Raider is the first new American bomber aircraft in more than
30 years, and almost every aspect of the program is classified. Both
Northrop Grumman and the Air Force have tried to protect the program's
details to prevent China from gaining access to the weapon's technology
and building a similar version, as it has with other U.S. advanced
weapons systems like the F-35 joint strike fighter.

At the bomber's unveiling in December, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
said the range of the B-21 is unmatched by any other bomber.

"It won't need to be based in-theater, it won't need logistical support
to hold any target at risk," the secretary said.

Austin said it will be difficult for adversaries to detect the stealth
aircraft.

"Fifty years of advances in low-observable technology have gone into
this aircraft," he said. "Even the most sophisticated air-defense
systems will struggle to detect a B-21 in the sky."

The Air Force said the "B-21" designation was chosen because the
aircraft is the first new bomber of the 21st century, while the name
"Raider" was selected to represent the Doolittle Raiders, who flew a
surprise attack during World War II.

The B-21 is part of the Pentagon's efforts to modernize all three legs
of its nuclear triad, which includes silo-launched nuclear ballistic
missiles and submarine-launched warheads, as it invests in new weapons
to meet China's rapid military modernization.

Northrop Grumman Corp. is based in Falls Church, Virginia.

U.S. unveils new nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider
The U.S. Air Force on Dec. 2, 2022, unveiled the B-21 Raider in
Palmdale, California. It is the first American bomber aircraft in more
than 30 years.
U.S. AIR FORCE