Shown is a B-21 Raider artist rendering graphic. The rendering highlights the future stealth bomber with Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., as the backdrop. Designed to perform long range conventional and nuclear missions and to operate in tomorrow’s high end threat environment, the B-21 will be a visible and flexible component of the nuclear triad. (Courtesy of Northrop Grumman)
Breaking Defense: The B-21 Raider: A Bomber That Is Both Low Observable And Easier to Maintain
Supportability issues that affected the availability and performance of early, stealthy aircraft are being addressed by Northrop Grumman on this new program.
Stealth aircraft have always had challenges related to maintainability due to the need for specialized personnel, equipment, materials, and facilities.
That’s not the case with the B-21, and in this Q&A with Steve Sullivan, vice president, Strike Division, we discuss how Northrop Grumman has applied new innovations in supportability to the program.
Breaking Defense: Northrop Grumman has extensive experience in designing and maintaining low observable aircraft.
What lessons learned is Northrop Grumman bringing to the B-21 to support sustainment?
Sullivan: The B-2 Spirit, which we designed and built in the 1980s, was revolutionary not only for the shape of the airframe but also the low observable (LO) treatments and coatings that were applied for survivability. These have set the standard for the last three decades.
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WNU Editor: Here are the known images of the B-21 stealth bomber .... Here’s all the images of the B-21 stealth bomber released so far (Aerospace Manufacturing).
