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Second B-21 Flies for First Time as Air Force Eyes Testing Expansion
The second B-21 Raider's maiden flight enables advanced testing phases, accelerating operational readiness and supporting the U.S. Air Force's plan to field at least 100 bombers, officials said.
- The U.S. Air Force announced on September 11, 2025, that the second B-21 Raider stealth bomber flew from Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to Edwards Air Force Base.
- This flight follows the first B-21's maiden flight in 2023 and reflects a steady progression in the bomber’s testing program initiated after its late 2022 unveiling.
- The second B-21’s arrival at Edwards enables advanced testing phases beyond initial flight checks, focusing on weapons integration, mission systems, and sustainment processes.
- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink noted that the introduction of the second B-21 Raider significantly boosts progress in flight testing, while Gen. David Allvin emphasized that this advancement speeds up the timeline for the aircraft’s operational deployment.
- The Air Force plans to begin major infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2026 at three main B-21 bases to prepare for operational squadrons and sustain modernization efforts.
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New York Post
Fox NewsAmerica’s new stealth B-21 Raider takes next step with second bomber’s first flight
A second B-21 Raider bomber has flown for the first time in California, the Air Force announced Thursday, a milestone officials say will accelerate testing of America’s first new long-range bomber in more than three decades.
The first test is successful.
Second B-21 in flight testing
A second B-21 Raider bomber is now being flight tested, the Air Force announced today. The Northrop Grumman-made stealth bomber is undergoing tests at Edwards Air Force Base, CA along with the first B-21, the service said. “With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. “We can now expedite critical evaluations of mission systems and weapons capabilities, dir…
A Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Is Flying In California
Key Points and Summary – Video from aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton shows the second B-21 Raider launching from USAF Plant 42 (Palmdale) around 8 a.m. PT on Sept. 11, gear down and escorted by an F-16—classic early flight-test cues. The Air Force hasn’t confirmed the sortie or destination, but observers expect a ferry to Edwards AFB, home to the B-21 Combined Test Force. The second B-21 Raider has flown! #b21 #b21raider pic.twitter.com/PxgO…
U.S. Air Force Accelerates B-21 Raider Testing With Arrival Of Second Stealth Bomber
Second B-21 test aircraft joins fleet at Edwards AFB, boosting mission systems and weapons integration while moving the Air Force closer to operational readiness. The U.S. Air Force announced the arrival of a second B-21 Raider test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base in California, a move that significantly boosts the service’s capacity to test […] U.S. Air Force Accelerates B-21 Raider Testing With Arrival Of Second Stealth Bomber
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