Air Force to Train Weapon System Officers to Fly B-21s | Air & Space Forces Magazine

B-21 Raider to fly with two-pilot configuration

The Air Force's new long-range strike bomber will operation with a two-pilot configuration.

US Air Force commits B-21 stealth bomber fleet to two-pilot setup

The US Air Force has finalized the flight crew structure for its incoming B-21 Raider strategic bomber, confirming that the aircraft will be operated by a two-pilot crew. Because the aircraft relies heavily on automated flight and mission systems, the service will no longer require traditional non-pilot crew positions on this platform.  To manage this change, the military is launching a transition program designed to retrain existing weapons and…

B-21 Raider will operate with 2-person crew

It maintains the two-person crew configuration of the B-2, which includes a pilot and a mission commander, who handles weapons and countermeasures.

Air Force to Train Weapon System Officers to Fly B-21s | Air & Space Forces Magazine

The Air Force has officially decided the B-21 Raider will fly with a two-pilot air crew—and some of those pilots will be former weapon system and combat systems officers. The Air Force is establishing a transition program for WSOs and CSOs to become pilots and take follow-on assignments flying the new bomber. Built by Northrop Grumman, the next-generation B-21 stealth bomber will enter service in 2027. Like the B-2, the B-21 features a flying …

B-21 automation drives USAF plan to retrain bomber crew officers as pilots

The US Air Force confirms two-pilot crew for the Raider and launches transition program for weapons and combat systems officers

U.S. Air Force sets two-pilot crew for B-21 Raider bomber as the service prepares future long-range strike force

The Air Force is also establishing a pilot transition program for selected weapons system officers and combat systems officers. Those chosen will attend pilot training before receiving a follow-on assignment to the B-21. Air Force leadership determined that a two-pilot configuration best supports the Raider’s planned operational role. The service said retaining the deep tactical and combat experience within the weapons system officer and combat …