The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider Bomber Nightmare Has Just Begun

The U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider Bomber Nightmare Has Just Begun

Key Points and Summary – The B-21 Raider promises stealthy, long-range strike, ISR, and electronic warfare with open-architecture upgrades—exactly the mix for contested airspace. But the price is steep: roughly $700M per jet and an estimated $203B over 30 years for 100 aircraft. B-21 Raider. Image Credit: Creative Commons. -Early production write-offs and ramp-up pains add scrutiny. Supporters argue sustainment is designed to be simpler than the…

B-21 Raider Plan Could See Second Pilot Replaced with WSO

Aviation Week reported on a memo by the head of AFGSC that recommends a shift from current plans for two pilots on the B-21 Raider to a pilot and weapon systems officer (WSO) combination. “Unleashing the Raider’s full potential demands a complex blend of skills: airmanship, weaponeering, electromagnetic spectrum operations, sensor management, real-time battle management […]

B-21 May Move From Two Pilots To One Pilot, One WSO

The U.S. Air Force B-21 Raider stealth bomber by Northrop Grumman [NOC] may have a crew of one pilot and one weapons systems officer (WSO) instead of two pilots, as […]