DefenseSecond B-21 Stealth Bomber Makes Maiden Flight in California
The second flying prototype of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bomber was spotted on its maiden flight on September 11. The aircraft was recorded departing Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, by aviation enthusiast @JarodMHamilton, who shared a video of the event on X. The inaugural sortie was first reported by The Aviationist.
During the flight, a U.S. Air Force F-16 acted as a chase plane while the B-21 conducted its initial test profile. After completing the sortie, the aircraft is expected to transfer to Edwards Air Force Base, where it will join the ongoing test campaign.
The new bomber, identified as the T-2, is the second B-21 to take to the skies. The first prototype, T-1, made its debut flight on November 10, 2023, and continues to support the test program. The B-21 fleet currently consists of two ground-test articles (G-1 and G-2) and two flight-test airframes (T-1 and T-2).
https://twitter.com/JarodMHamilton/status/1966158814010552561
According to the U.S. Air Force, six additional B-21s are under assembly at Plant 42, with more units to follow. At least 100 aircraft have been ordered to replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers in service today.
Northrop Grumman received its second low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract for the Raider in late 2024, underscoring the Pentagon’s confidence in the program.
The stealth bomber is designed to enhance the U.S. Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities, combining advanced stealth features with next-generation avionics and mission flexibility.
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