On Friday, November 10, the American B-21 Raider made its first test flight, bringing it one step closer to becoming America's next nuclear-capable stealth bomber. This was reported by the agency AR.
The strategic B-21 Raider flew in Palmdale, California, where it is tested and developed by Northrop Grumman.
The U.S. Air Force plans to build 100 of these aircraft, which have a wing shape reminiscent of the B-2 Spirit's predecessor. But the novelties will use advanced materials, power plants and stealth technologies, which will make the bombers more viable in future conflicts.
The plane is planned to be produced in versions with and without pilots.
"The B-21 Raider is undergoing flight testing," said US Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek.
According to Stefanek, such tests are an important step in the campaign to provide "survivable, long-range, penetrating strike capabilities to deter aggression and strategic attacks against the United States, allies and partners."
The B-21 Raider is America's first new bomber in 30 years, and almost every aspect of the program is classified.
Both Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are trying to protect details of the program to prevent China from gaining access to the technology and building a similar version, as it has done with other advanced U.S. weapons systems such as the F-35 fighter jet.
America's newest nuclear stealth bomber was unveiled in late December last year after years of secret development.
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