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2024-05-25 Science & Technology

America's secretive $745M nuclear bomber takes flight in first aerial test

[Daily Mail, where America gets its news] New images show America's highly secret, $745-million stealth nuclear bomber taking to the air for what is apparently its first, publicly acknowledged, flight test.

The B-21 Raider was unveiled in December 2022, but the US government has so far been discreet about showing off this cutting-edge, radar-evading aircraft.

The sleek bomber was shown flying for the first time as it undergoes flight testing, in pictures released Wednesday, one crucial step before a minimum first order of 100 of these stealth craft can be approved for manufacture.

The B-21 has been described as a 'dual-capable bomber' — able to launch both conventional and nuclear ordinance.

Posted by Skidmark 2024-05-25 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11163 views ] Top

#1 ...The project is doing amazingly well, and is absolutely on track. Now, that's not to say that something can't go wrong, but the chances are dropping fast.

My concern at this point is that the total number of airframes - right now at about 120 - is going to get cut. The infrastructure and personnel requirements are going to end up costing almost as much as the airframes, so if USAF wants to insure congressional support they need to start announcing basing (Ellsworth AFB is the only one locked in right now) soon.

Mike

Posted by MikeKozlowski 2024-05-25 07:00|| 2024-05-25 07:00|| Front Page Top

#2 able to launch both

Curious wording.

Posted by Skidmark 2024-05-25 11:31|| 2024-05-25 11:31|| Front Page Top

#3 ^ Not really. While nuclear and conventional gravity bombs will be deliverable by the B-21, the LRSO and LRASM will be the stars of the show, and those are cruise missiles.

Posted by M. Murcek 2024-05-25 11:43|| 2024-05-25 11:43|| Front Page Top

#4 Nuclear Arc Light = The best Arc Light?

Posted by Frank G 2024-05-25 11:44|| 2024-05-25 11:44|| Front Page Top

#5 Bestist Arc Light Frank!

Posted by DarthVader 2024-05-25 12:28|| 2024-05-25 12:28|| Front Page Top

#6 If it was built of solid gold, would it be more or less expensive?
My guess is "less"

Posted by Cromonter Spawn of the Faeries8107 2024-05-25 14:42|| 2024-05-25 14:42|| Front Page Top

01:15 Seeking Cure For Ignorance
00:46 Anguper Hupomosing9418