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Progress of the B-21 Stealth Bomber: Insights on how flight-testing prototypes (test beds) have facilitated its development

Progress being made in flight tests of the B-21 bomber, with over 1,000 hours of both air and ground work on a testing prototype contributing significantly.

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Advancements in flight testing for the B-21 bomber have been significant, thanks to over a thousand...
Advancements in flight testing for the B-21 bomber have been significant, thanks to over a thousand hours of both air and ground trial work on a functional test aircraft.

Progress of the B-21 Stealth Bomber: Insights on how flight-testing prototypes (test beds) have facilitated its development

The B-21 Raider, a significant leap in strategic bomber technology, is making noticeable strides in its flight testing campaign, according to Tom Jones, president of Northrop Grumman's aeronautics division. Jones spoke at the AFA Warfare Symposium on March 5, where he discussed the progress of this innovative aircraft.

Jones expressed satisfaction with both the test results and the speed of the B-21 testing process, confirming that the bomber currently flies sorties at least twice a week at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 entered testing over a year ago, but due to the program's classified nature, updates on its performance have been scarce recently.

Despite being the first year of testing for an aircraft with numerous cutting-edge technologies, Jones reported that the B-21's progress has been exceptional, and the aircraft is surpassing expectations. In its initial year, only a single software change was necessitated for the B-21.

Jones attributed these successes to extensive ground testing and over 1,000 flight hours on a flying test bed assessing the B-21's internal systems such as hardware, software, navigation, and communication suites. Combined, these ground and flying test bed activities have contributed to approximately a 50% reduction in the time required to certify software builds – a remarkable achievement.

The test beds are located at Northrop's facilities in Melbourne, Florida, while the B-21 is assembled in Palmdale, California. In addition, the B-21 is being maintained by a blend of contractor and Air Force personnel, with confidence that Northrop will uphold its promise to make the bomber a regular flyer.

Engineers are closely analyzing data collected from the heavily instrumented test aircraft, with real-time feedback provided on each test and the analysis beginning while the aircraft is still in flight. Jones demurred when asked if Northrop could speed up production of the B-21 or build more than planned, noting that the program is planned as a low-rate effort producing only a handful of aircraft per year.

However, Jones emphasized that, as the contractor, his responsibility is to provide the Air Force with options to make informed decisions regarding the number of bombers required. He stated, "We need to be performing on schedule, on budget, and in terms of our test program in order to offer those options."

Jones also commented on the defense industrial base's ability to scale up production to levels needed for credible deterrence or confrontation with a major peer adversary. Northrop is actively recruiting from secondary and primary schools to maintain its workforce, reporting success in developing valuable technicians from individuals with little initial skill.

The B-21's stealth technology, range, and payload make it a potential critical component of the U.S. military's global deterrence capabilities, particularly against strategic threats from nations such as Russia and China. The aircraft is designed to enhance the U.S.'s strategic strike capabilities, offering a long-range, penetrating strike capability. It is expected to be deployed to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as its primary operating base, along with other bases.

While specific discussions at the AFA Warfare Symposium are not detailed in the available search results, the overall context suggests the B-21 is a key focus of U.S. military modernization efforts, reflecting a commitment to advanced stealth technology and strategic deterrence.

  1. The B-21's initial year of testing, despite being for an aircraft with numerous cutting-edge technologies, has been exceptional, surpassing expectations with only a single software change necessitated.
  2. The B-21 currently flies sorties at least twice a week at Edwards Air Force Base, California, a testament to the speed of the B-21 testing process.
  3. Combined, extensive ground testing, over 1,000 flight hours on a flying test bed, and real-time feedback have contributed to approximately a 50% reduction in the time required to certify software builds for the B-21.
  4. Northrop Grumman is actively recruiting from secondary and primary schools to maintain its workforce, reporting success in developing valuable technicians from individuals with little initial skill.
  5. The B-21's stealth technology, range, and payload make it a potential critical component of the U.S. military's global deterrence capabilities, offering a long-range, penetrating strike capability against strategic threats from nations like Russia and China.

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