Summary:In December 2022, the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman unveiled the B-21 Raider, marking a significant leap in bomber technology since the introduction of the B-2 Spirit in 1988. The article explores the key differences between these two generations of stealth bombers, covering aspects such as design, capabilities, and technological advancements. While the B-2 Spirit boasts a Cold War legacy with its revolutionary "flying wing" design, the B-21 Raider represents a digital-age marvel, utilizing computer-aided design and open systems architecture. The comparison delves into size, stealth features, and production processes, offering insights into the evolving landscape of U.S. bomber capabilities. Written by military hardware expert Peter Suciu, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of these iconic aircraft, shedding light on their historical context and technological significance.
The B-2 Spirit vs. the B-21 Raider
In December 2022, the United States Air Force and aerospace and defense giant Northrop Grumman officially unveiled the B-21 Raider. It was the first new United States Air Force bomber in more than three decades that had been presented to the public – since the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit made its public debut back in November 1988 – while it is widely considered to be a generational leap forward in aircraft technology and development.
It could be at least another generation before another bomber is developed and takes to the skies – and that is if the B-21 Raider doesn't end up being the last U.S. bomber to fly.
It was just this past November that the B-21 successfully took its first test flight on in Palmdale, CA, where the bomber has been undergoing testing. Though the service also didn't publicize the event, about three dozen aviation enthusiasts and others gathered around Plant 42 and were able to witness the flying wing-styled bomber take to the skies.
Despite numerous similarities between the aircraft, the B-21 Raider is much more than just a 21st-century version of the Cold War-era B-2 Spirit.
B-2 Spirit in the Sky
Seen as the first successful "flying wing" aircraft, the B-2's low-observable, or "stealth," characteristics have provided it with the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. The Spirit's capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation further has provided a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the 21st century.
The B-2's low observability was derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual, and radar signatures. That makes it difficult for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track, and engage the B-2. Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified; however, the B-2's composite materials, special coatings, and flying-wing design all contribute to its "stealthiness."
Its low-observability (LO) further provided it greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing its range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors.
The first B-2 rolled out of the bomber's final assembly facility in Palmdale, Calif., in November 1988 and it flew for the first time on July 17, 1989. The United States Air Force had plans for 132 B-2 Spirits, but as the aircraft was a product of the Cold War, it was originally designed to penetrate Soviet air defenses. With the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Congress slashed the budget for the Spirit, which cut production to just twenty-one aircraft.
B-21 Raider: Smaller But More Capable Bomber
The B-21 Raider is actually a generational leap in aircraft technology and development. The Raider was developed to be the multifunctional backbone of the modernized bomber fleet, gradually replacing the aging Rockwell B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers now in service. A dual-capable penetrating strike stealth aircraft, the B-21 will be capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.
Throughout its development, the Raider has been billed as a highly survivable, long-range subsonic stealth bomber that is capable of penetrating adversary air defense networks deep behind enemy lines and delivering both conventional- and nuclear-tipped munitions on key military and infrastructure targets across the globe.
Though the Raider is notably smaller than the Spirit, it is also sleeker and stealthier. Yet, due to its smaller size, the B-21 will have a reduced payload capacity when compared with the B-2A. The United States Air Force's current plans call for at least 100 Raiders, which could address the issue – as a larger number of smaller bombers could be better than fewer larger aircraft. The Air Force can hardly afford to lose any aircraft, but a loss of a single B-2 Spirit could further impact the service's bomber capabilities.
There are other notable differences – the B-21 doesn't feature serrated edges throughout its design, nor do its two engine air intakes extend out of the fuselage to the same extent as the B-2A, and instead is flusher to the fuselage surface. The co*ckpit windows were modified, likely to improve the Raider's LO characteristics and while the view to the side reportedly doesn't provide as much visibility as the B-2's, it is likely addressed through sensors and cameras.
It has further been reported that the other significant difference is simply the color of the Raider from the traditional black/dark gray operational livery of the B-2. Since it was first publicly revealed, the B-21 sported a lighter gray color scheme. However, this may not be its final color – and we'll have to watch to see if it is updated.
Perhaps the biggest difference is how the aircraft were designed.
The B-2 was devised in an era when engineers still employed slide rules, and pocket calculators were considered expensive hardware.
By contrast, the B-21 Raider is truly a product of the digital age that took advantage of computer-aided design. In addition, it has been noted for being designed with an open systems architecture that would enable rapid future capability integration to keep pace with the highly contested threat environment. In addition, Raider's design is based on firm requirements with existing and mature technology to control program costs. In fact, the plane's prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, has been directed to use production processes, production tooling, and a production workforce that ensures sustained and seamless production while avoiding unnecessary costs.
That latter fact could also ensure that while the Air Force was forced to make do with fewer than two dozen Spirits, its fleet of B-21 Raiders could exceed 100.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. Email the Author: [emailprotected].
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