Second Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider Test Aircraft Takes Flight

Northrop Grumman recently added an additional B-21 Raider strategic bomber to the aircraft’s test program, delivering it from the company’s manufacturing facility in Palmdale, California, to Edwards Air Force Base. The delivery flight was conducted concurrently with a scheduled test flight.

While outwardly similar to the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, the B-21 is significantly smaller and lighter. With a wingspan approximately 26% smaller, two fewer engines, and less than half the weight of the larger 1990s-era bomber, the B-21 aims to deliver greater efficiency and capability. In addition to the smaller size, the reduced complexity of having fewer engines is expected to reduce ongoing maintenance and operating costs.

While size and scale can be challenging to discern, particularly from a distance, the B-21 has a couple of key identifying features. From above or below, the trailing edge is simpler, with only one triangular point between the wingtips rather than the B-2’s three.
 
Additionally, the B-21’s lighter weight requires fewer main landing gear wheels – each main gear has one axle and two tires. In comparison, the larger and heavier B-2 requires a four-wheel design derived from the Boeing 767 to reduce pavement loading.