The US Air Force’s highly classified stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, is advancing through its flight testing phase with minimal software adjustments, according to Northrop Grumman’s aeronautics division president, Tom Jones.
The B-21 Raider, the United States’ forthcoming sixth-generation strategic bomber, represents a substantial leap forward in stealth technology and operational capabilities compared to the B-2 Spirit.
The US Air Force intends to procure at least 100 B-21 Raiders, a notable increase compared to the limited number of B-2 Spirit bombers acquired in the past.
This expanded fleet is expected to provide greater operational flexibility and strengthen America’s strategic bomber capabilities. According to the manufacturer, the ongoing testing phase is progressing smoothly, indicating that development is on track.
Speaking at the AFA Warfare Symposium on March 5, Jones disclosed that the aircraft is meeting and, in some cases, exceeding performance expectations.
Jones noted that the B-21 is conducting flight tests at least twice a week at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Despite being in testing for just over a year, the aircraft has required only a single software modification, which he attributed to extensive ground testing and the use of a flying test bed prior to the bomber’s first flight.
“We’re seeing a good margin [on performance],” Jones said, adding that the program has benefited from over 1,000 flight hours on a flying test bed used to evaluate key systems such as hardware, software, navigation, and communication.
He said this approach has contributed to a 50% reduction in the time required to certify software updates.
Jones also credited the success to a “commercially inspired software factory” that accelerates the development and implementation of new code. The combination of rigorous pre-flight testing and rapid software adaptation has helped guarantee smooth progress through the aircraft’s initial testing phase.
The B-21, built at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, California, facility, is maintained by both Air Force and contractor personnel. Jones expressed confidence in the company’s goal of making the bomber a “daily flyer.”
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The first test aircraft is equipped with extensive instrumentation to capture flight data in real-time, allowing engineers to analyze each sortie’s results while the aircraft is still airborne.
Jones noted that this immediate feedback loop is helping drive efficiency and refine the aircraft’s capabilities as it moves closer to operational status.
Northrop Grumman Highlights Major Investment in B-21 Development
In a statement, Northrop Grumman underscored the substantial financial and technological resources devoted to the B-21 Raider program.
The company has poured over US$2 billion into infrastructure and digital development to create a unified digital ecosystem that streamlines design and production.
This system allows seamless integration across the entire B-21 program to ensure all teams operate from a single, authoritative data source. By merging digital design tools with real-time production processes, Northrop has improved efficiency, cutting manufacturing hours by nearly a third in some areas.
Beyond the digital framework, the company has expanded the use of augmented reality, robotics, and artificial intelligence to optimize production. These technologies are directly improving quality and efficiency on the assembly line, allowing technicians to work more effectively on-site.
Northrop has mentioned that it has developed a cutting-edge manufacturing system that is scaling up for full-rate production. The innovations in the B-21’s production are also laying the foundation for long-term sustainment.
Meanwhile, when asked whether Northrop could accelerate production or increase the planned fleet size, Jones was cautious, noting that the program was designed for a gradual production ramp-up, delivering only a limited number of aircraft annually.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the administration to determine how many bombers are needed,” Jones said. “Our job is to ensure the Air Force has the option to make that decision.”
Jones added that keeping these options open requires adhering to the timeline, controlling costs, and advancing steadily through the testing phase. He also described the B-21 as on track to become “the most lethal weapon system in the world.”
He also expressed confidence that the broader defense industrial base can scale production if necessary, particularly in response to rising geopolitical challenges.
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