The US Air Force is set to unveil the B-21 Raider which is said to be the most advanced military aircraft in the world. The announcement will take place on Friday, Nov. 29 in Palmdale, California.
The said fighter jet boasts an upgraded stealth technology which is suited for long-range nuclear missions. Somehow, it is expected to fly to the skies by next year, if the ground tests go as planned.
B-21 Stealth Bomber to be Unveiled this Week
According to Dough Young, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems' sector vice president, B-21 is touted to be a stellar product of "pioneering innovation and technological excellence."
In a press release, he also mentioned that this aircraft was made possible through the efforts of thousands of people who worked hard to design and create this aircraft.
The design of the most advanced strike aircraft won't come out without the help of Northrop. The Virginia-based aerospace technology firm got a green light to design this fighter jet in 2015 when the US Air Force awarded the contract.
Stealth Bomber Designed For 'Highly Contested Environments'
In a report by Fox News, Northrop Corporate President Tom Jones said that this high-end aircraft is intended and "optimized for operations in highly contested environments."
Since it relies on its impressive stealth system, it's something that enemies should not underestimate. Being a sixth-generation fighter jet, it comes with the most advanced military design that's intended for "long-range conventional and nuclear missions."
At the moment, Northrop said that there are six B-21 stealth raiders that are in Palmdale for assembly.
For those who want to witness the revelation behind the B-21 fighter jet, make sure to visit Northrop Grumman's website for more information. However, it will be exclusive to select viewers and they will only be chosen via invitation only.
Related Article : China's J-20 'Mighty Dragon' Stealth Fighter Jets Are Coming in Fast, to Counter US' F22 and F35
US Air Force Invests $100 Million For 45 AESA Radars
The partnership of the US Air Force and Northrop does not end with B-21 raiders. According to Flight Global's article on Tuesday, Nov. 29, the military team has invested about $100 million to purchase an extra 45 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars from the weapon manufacturer.
The Air Force's contract with Northrop initially involved a fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets and 42 radars.
With the purchase of additional AESA, it is estimated that the Northrop contract now hits a staggering $1.3 billion transaction overall.
As USAF said, the special sets of radars have a high precision rate when it comes to detecting targets from long distances. They are also better compared to the APG-68 fire control radar.
Aside from the radars, the Air Force will also reportedly acquire a new electronic warfare technology, an improved military computer, new center display unit, and a revamped communications suite.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
