US Air Force conducts first test flight of world’s first 6th-generation stealth strategic bomber, one-of-a-kind.

The B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation stealth strategic bomber from Northrop Grumman, the world’s leading U.S. defense company, was unveiled on December 2, 2022. /AP·Yonhap News

The world’s first sixth-generation stealth strategic bomber, the U.S. Air Force’s ‘B-21 Raider,’ has completed its first test flight.

On the morning of the 10th (local time), the B-21 took its first flight in Palmdale, California, according to reports from Reuters and Bloomberg.

Reuters and others reported that the B-21 took off from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 at 6:51 a.m. and landed at Edwards Air Force Base, about 25 miles away, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes later.

The B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation stealth strategic bomber of the U.S. Air Force, is conducting its first test flight in Palmdale, California, on the 10th (local time). /Reuters·Yonhap News

Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said, “The B-21 Raider is undergoing flight testing, which is a crucial phase of test activities managed by the Air Force Test Center and the 412th Test Wing’s B-21 Integrated Test Force.” She added that this is to provide a survivable, long-range, and penetrable strike capability necessary for deterring aggression and strategic attacks on the U.S., its allies, and partners.

Reuters reported that six B-21 test aircraft are being produced using the tools, processes, and technicians who will manufacture the production B-21s.

The B-21 is known for its unparalleled range, stealth, and survivability, and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Fox Business reported that the U.S. Air Force expects the B-21 to greatly enhance its ability to strike targets anywhere in the world, particularly as a military deterrent in regions where tensions with Russia and China are escalating.

The B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation stealth strategic bomber of the U.S. Air Force, is taking off from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, on the 10th (local time). /Reuters·Yonhap News

The B-21 is the first new bomber introduced to the U.S. Air Force in over 30 years since the B-2, the current mainstay stealth strategic bomber, and almost all of its program is classified. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, first unveiled it last December, naming it the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft, noting that it can be easily integrated into system configurations with future weapons and other aircraft.

Thomas Bussiere, commander of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), was quoted by Fox Business as saying that the B-21 will be the centerpiece of the bomber fleet in the future, with the U.S. Air Force expected to have at least 100 units.

The production cost per B-21 was about $550 million in 2010, which is estimated to be about $750 million (990 billion KRW) when converted to current prices, but the U.S. Air Force is keeping the price information confidential, according to Reuters. The operating cost of the B-21 is also expected to significantly increase compared to the B-1, which costs about $60,000 (80 million KRW) per hour, or the B-2, which costs about $65,000 (86 million KRW) per hour.

Bloomberg reported, citing U.S. Air Force estimates, that at least $203 billion (268 trillion KRW) will be spent over the next 30 years to develop, purchase, and operate the B-21 bomber. The exact deployment time for the B-21 has not been officially announced, but it is predicted to be between 2026 and 2027.