ARLINGTON, Virginia –

The Air Force confirmed Oct. 20 it plans to reveal the B-21 Raider Dec. 2 during an unveiling ceremony hosted and sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in Palmdale, California.

The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber that will incrementally replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers, becoming the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet.

"The unveiling of the B-21 Raider will be a historic moment for our Air Force and the nation," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr. "We last introduced a new bomber over 30 years ago. As we look to the threats posed by our pacing challenge; we must continue to rapidly modernize. The B-21 Raider will provide formidable combat capability across a range of operations in highly contested environments of the future."

The Department of the Air Force is investing in the aircraft’s long-range strike capability as part of its seven Operational Imperatives as it develops the advanced communications, sensors, and a broad mix of weapons and supporting systems needed to deter our adversaries and prevail in combat.

We must invest in long-range strike in a highly contested environment by integrating the B-21 bomber with advanced communications, sensors, and a broad mix of weapons and supporting systems.

After unveiling, the B-21 program will continue its rigorous testing campaign with a combined team of professionals from the Air Force Test Center, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, and Northrop Grumman. Their work will verify performance and identify areas for improvement for the weapon system.

"The B-21 program is a powerful example of America's long experience with fielding advanced military technology through an innovative, adaptable and efficient defense industrial base," said Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. "The Air Force made the decision early in the life of the program to make the flight test aircraft production representative, which is paying dividends as we look towards first flight."

The B-21 weapon system is manufactured under the Air Force's contract with Northrop Grumman. It is designed with an open systems architecture, enabling rapid insertion of mature technologies, and allowing the aircraft to remain effective as threats evolve over time.

Well, it's got a windshield. That's a good sign.

Another announcement (Don't mess with Brandon) :

CENTCOM Commander embarks USS West Virginia Ballistic Missile Submarine



By USCENTCOM Public Affairs
TAMPA, Florida –

On October 19th, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, conducted a visit aboard the USS West Virginia, a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear­powered ballistic missile submarine at an undisclosed location at sea in international waters in the Arabian Sea.

Kurilla was joined on the USS West Virginia by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT. During his visit on board the submarine, General Kurilla received a hands-on demonstration of the capabilities of the vessel, which operates globally under U.S. Strategic Command.

"I was thoroughly impressed with the crew of the USS West Virginia; these sailors represent the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and discipline across the U.S. military," said Kurilla. "These submarines are the crown jewel of the nuclear triad, and the West Virginia demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, readiness, and capability of USCENTCOM and USSTRATCOM forces at sea."

USSTRA TCOM forces are on watch 24/7 globally, operating in all domains, while supporting other commands, to defend the nation and our allies.

West Virginia is one of six ballistic-missile submarines stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and is capable of carrying up to 20 submarine­launched ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.

https://www.stratcom.mil/Media...c-missile-submarine/

^^^ it’s got no windshield. That’s a good sign.

quote:

Ohio-class nuclear­powered ballistic missile submarine

but it does have 24 doors

How come the article says 20 ICBMs when an Ohio-class can carry 24? Is there something special about the West Virginia, or something "special" about the editor?

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

quote:

Ohio-class nuclear­powered ballistic missile submarine

but it does have 24 doors

Bottom Gun.

A lot of details will be kept under wraps. The photography will be limited to a few angles so that certain aspects are kept secret.

Will be interested to see what is released as well.

Ohio-class submarines- probably the most effective deterrent we have. Land-based missiles don't glide quietly under the ocean. I imagine that if we ever do go completely insane and pull the trigger, the subs will have the last word.

"Mutually Assured Destruction" is nuts but it's our best hope, and the subs are our ace in the hole.

Think that the subs hide out under the polar ice and only come out after the ice has melted.

Kinda hate to see the Bone go. Best afterburner takeoffs ever!

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Ohio-class submarines- probably the most effective deterrent we have. Land-based missiles don't glide quietly under the ocean. I imagine that if we ever do go completely insane and pull the trigger, the subs will have the last word.

"Mutually Assured Destruction" is nuts but it's our best hope, and the subs are our ace in the hole.

As long as we're dealing with rational actors .... on either side.

SSBN are a beauty to see. Had one tied up to us for 2 days in 1971.

Timing of these announcements are related to the present unpleasantness. I cannot believe we are fighting another Cold War. European Theater. Pacific Theater. Both enemies claim to be communist. Both are in reality brutal monarchies with sham elections. Both the bomber and the sub are absolutely required to deter aggression.

I wish we would have kept the B numbering in sequence. XB-70 was the highest number, I think. B21 is okay, as a significant improvement to the B2. Nose art could be various examples of two cards totaling 21, and callsigns could be “blackjack…”

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
Kinda hate to see the Bone go. Best afterburner takeoffs ever!

But think of the carbon footprint!:O

Basing the B-21 and related training at Ellsworth AFB will see dramatic growth to the local area. Some 4,000 additional airmen and their families for starters.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
Kinda hate to see the Bone go. Best afterburner takeoffs ever!

I gotta ask – what is “the Bone”?

^^^^^

Took me a second when I first saw that too, but…

B-1 Bomber (B-one)

quote:

Originally posted by erj_pilot:
^^^^^

Took me a second when I first saw that too, but…

B-1 Bomber (B-one)

^^^^^^^^
Thanks. I didn’t know that the B-1 had afterburners.