The Making of the U.S. Military's New Stealth Bomber

BY W.J. HENNIGAN/PALMDALE, CALIF. DECEMBER 3, 2022

In the predawn darkness of the western Mojave Desert, workers make their way across a parking lot toward a sprawling complex of factories, hangars and runways. Teams of armed military and civilian guards patrol the grounds leading to the 5,800-acre facility, which is ringed by an elaborate security system and monitored from space by orbiting reconnaissance satellites.

Comparing Stealth Bombers

The new B-21 Raider bears a family resemblance to the B-2 Spirit, but the two bombers will differ substantially in size, and likely their number of engines and payload. Critically, the B-21 will also be far more advanced in terms of low-observable technology—at least two generations beyond its elder stablemate. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for both bombers.

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* All data cited for the B-21 is presumptive, based on public comments and/or published reports.

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Air Force B-21 Raider Long-Range Strike Bomber

Updated September 22, 2021

Congressional Research Service

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https://crsreports.congress.gov

R44463

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