Although the launch plan of the B21 Raider heavy bomber was postponed to 2023, northropgrumman recently completed the first load calibration test of the prototype to verify the structural integrity of the fuselage from production to flight** New atlas pointed out that the b-21 project, which has been approved since 2014, aims to replace the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and B-2 spirit bombers of the US air force.
B-21 Raider heavy bomber rendering (from: northrop grumman)
As the third nuclear deterrent of the United States, little is known about the details of the b-21. At present, it can be determined that the aircraft is designed for high stealth, has subsonic flight capability, and is easier to maintain (and lower cost) than the B-2 bomber.
Randy Walden, director of the air force rapid capability office and executive officer of the b-21 Raider program, said: "the b-21 tester has been very representative in its career, both structurally and in its mission system.".
The latest test aims to meet the three conditions required for the b-21 to conduct ground tests - in addition to structural integrity, the load test also calibrates the monitoring instruments in the production stage.
During the load test, the b-21 fuselage was subjected to varying degrees of pressure to ensure that it was ready for ground and flight tests. If all goes well, this will help the b-21 make a smooth transition to the actual manufacturing phase.
In addition, the company has tested the power supply, flight subsystem and radar absorption special coating on the prototype, and will carry out low-speed and high-speed taxiing tests before the first flight. At present, northropgrumman is assembling six b-21 prototypes, and the first one is expected to be officially launched in 2022.