The B-21 “Raider”, the Pentagon’s new stealth weapon

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This nuclear-capable bomber is due to make its first flight in 2023. A hundred copies should be produced in the process.

By Guerric Poncet

L’US military and industrialist Northrop Grumman are preparing to unveil the new stealth strategic bomber, the B-21 “Raider”. This aircraft capable of nuclear strikes is described as the very first sixth-generation aircraft in the world, and is to replace the famous B-2 “Spirit”.

A ceremony is scheduled for December 2 at the Palmdale plant in California, during which one of the six devices assembled or in the process of being assembled will be presented. He will likely be shown from only one specific angle so as not to reveal too much information about his abilities. The first flight is scheduled for 2023, almost two years later than expected. The date will be fixed according to the results of the ground test phases.

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