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3d ago

Second B-21 Raider Arrives at Edwards for Expanded Flight Testing

A second test jet lets the Air Force shift from basic flights to mission‑system testing that speeds fielding.

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Pictured is the first U.S. Air Force flight test B-21 Raider bomber at Edwards AFB, Calif. last year (Photo on Air Force Website)
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Overview

  • The Air Force confirmed on Sept. 11 that a second production‑representative B-21 flew from Palmdale and joined the test fleet at Edwards AFB, with spotter photos and video documenting the flight.
  • With two aircraft now flying, the program moves beyond initial performance checks into mission systems and weapons integration trials, according to Air Force leaders.
  • The added airframe allows maintainers to develop sustainment practices, validate maintenance tools and technical data, and refine logistics for operating multiple bombers.
  • Low‑rate initial production continues at Northrop Grumman with multiple airframes in assembly, alongside two dedicated ground‑test articles and two flight‑test jets.
  • The service plans extensive military construction starting in fiscal 2026 at Ellsworth, Whiteman and Dyess to prepare for operational B-21 squadrons, with Ellsworth projects already progressing.