B-21 Raider takes flight and the first Eagle
The sixth generation B-21 Raider takes its first flight and the first operational Eagle
Military history, accompanied by sound criticism, is indeed the true school of war.
-Gen Matthew B. Ridgway
Mission Briefing
The B-21 Raider has flown. Last Friday morning, shrouded in years of anticipation and secrecy, the B-21 Raider dramatically emerged from its Palmdale hangar, taking to the skies for its very first flight. This historic moment marked the first time aviation enthusiasts, contractor employees, and the general public laid eyes on the cutting-edge bomber soaring through the air.
Constructed by Northrop Grumman Corp., the B-21 bomber ascended from the cloaked confines of Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, setting its course towards the North, aimed for Edwards Air Force Base.
Nearby, approximately 80 individuals congregated close to the Palmdale Regional Airport, eagerly anticipating a firsthand view of this monumental flight. The scene was so captivated that, as Hartman remarked, “you could hear a pin drop” when the bomber finally made its appearance.
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed the B-21's entry into flight testing, declaring it a pivotal phase in the bomber’s evaluation program. This testing encompasses not just the flight itself but also includes extensive ground and taxiing trials. Edwards Air Force Base plays a crucial role in the testing and evaluation of the B-21.
Northrop Grumman, reflecting on this milestone, stated that the flight test program inches the B-21 closer to operational readiness. Though the bomber was first unveiled in December, only the front of the aircraft was shown, with most technical details remaining under wraps due to their classified nature.
In an ambitious plan, the Air Force intends to procure a minimum of 100 B-21 stealth bombers by the mid-2030s, an investment estimated around $80 billion. Currently, six B-21 bombers are under production, with the aim to gradually phase out the older B-1 and B-2 fleets.
Despite its resemblance to the B-2's flying-wing design, the B-21 boasts superior stealth technology, enhanced maintainability, and supportability, addressing the high maintenance costs associated with its predecessor.
Designed for versatility, the B-21 can conduct both crewed and uncrewed missions, showcasing technological advancements not available during the B-2's era in the 1980s.
The Air Force anticipates the arrival of the initial B-21 bombers, designed for long-range, radar-evasive missions, by the mid-2020s. These bombers are a critical component of the U.S. military’s strategy to modernize its nuclear triad, which encompasses warheads, submarines, and missiles, especially in light of escalating technological advancements by global competitors like China.
This program has significantly invigorated aerospace employment in the Antelope Valley, a region with a rich history in aerospace manufacturing. Since Northrop Grumman secured the bomber contract in 2015, employment at its Antelope Valley facilities has surged to over 7,000 people, a remarkable doubling from the numbers seen six years prior.
Hopefully by the time you’ve read this the updated B-21 video will be out, be sure to check the channel!
This week in aviation history
14 November 1974: In a milestone moment for military aviation, the first operational McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle, a pinnacle of air superiority, found its new home with the 555th Tactical Training Squadron, under the 58th Tactical Training Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, near the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona. This auspicious event was graced by none other than President Gerald R. Ford, marking a significant chapter in the history of military aviation.
Crafted with precision and prowess in St. Louis, Missouri, the F-15A Eagle soared into production from 1972 until 1979. This marvel of engineering is not just any aircraft; it's a single-seat, twin-engine fighter, designed to dominate the skies. Its impressive dimensions, spanning 63 feet, 9.0 inches in length, with a wingspan reaching 42 feet, 9.7 inches, and a towering height of 18 feet, 5.4 inches, speak volumes of its formidable presence.
But what truly sets the F-15A apart is its heart - the powerful Pratt & Whitney JTF22A-25A (F100-PW-100) afterburning turbofan engines. These engines are a symphony of mechanical brilliance, featuring a 3-stage fan section, a 10-stage compressor, and a meticulously designed 4-stage turbine. The result? A beast capable of a Maximum Continuous Power of 12,410 pounds of thrust, pushing boundaries with a maximum of 23,840 pounds for those critical moments in the skies.
The F-15A Eagle isn't just about raw power; it's about agility and speed. With a cruising speed of 502 knots, and the ability to surge to a breathtaking 893 knots at 10,000 feet, it can even reach an astounding 1,434 knots at 45,000 feet. Its combat capabilities are enhanced by a climb rate that defies gravity, scaling 67,250 feet per minute from sea level.
Armament-wise, the F-15A Eagle is a fortress in flight. Equipped with a General Electric M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon, complemented by an arsenal of AIM-7F Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, it's prepared for any aerial confrontation. Additionally, it can be armed with Mk.82 and Mk. 84 bombs, reinforcing its role as a versatile and formidable fighter in the skies.
This aircraft is not just a machine; it's a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of air dominance, proudly serving the skies and safeguarding peace
In case you missed it
Prior to the upcoming video, here is what else we know about the B-21 Raider:
Photo Outlet
Here’s a B-17 taxiing at this year’s Wings Over Houston, note the two inboard engines are shut down to save fuel and time on the engines:
Post Flight Debrief
I’m working on a couple of more educational or how do things work in the world of military aviation. More updates in the coming weeks, stay tuned!
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog