The United States Air Force has unveiled its newest nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21, which will gradually replace Cold War-era aircraft.
The first modern bomber in thirty years might cost about $700 million (£569 million) each and is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional bombs.
As predicted, the aircraft’s specifics remain shrouded in secrecy.
However, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that this was “a monument to America’s lasting advantages in inventiveness and innovation.
The B-21 Raider was unveiled during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman’s California plant on Friday.
Mr. Austin stated that “even the most advanced air defense systems will struggle to locate the B-21 in the sky,” indicating that the aircraft would offer considerable improvements over existing US bombers.
This aircraft is the result of fifty years of advancements in low-observable technology, according to him.
In addition, the aircraft’s “open system design” permits the adoption of “weapons that haven’t even been conceived yet.”
Although the idea of an uncrewed flight was not mentioned during the event, a US Air Force spokeswoman stated that the aircraft was “prepared for the option, but no decision has been made to fly without a crew.”
The first flight of a B-21 is anticipated to occur in 2019.
It will eventually replace the B-1 and B-2 aircraft, and Bloomberg estimates that the fleet will cost $203 billion (£165 billion) over 30 years to design, purchase, and operate.
Six aircraft are presently in development, according to the manufacturer, who added that they will feature the “next generation of stealth” and utilize “new manufacturing techniques and materials” of unclear nature.
The United States Air Force intends to acquire at least 100 aircraft.
