Air Force Confirms B-21 Taxi Tests Underway
The stealth bomber’s first flight, originally projected before the end of 2023, ‘will be a data-driven event,’ Northrop Grumman said.
Northrop Grumman’s B-21 [Courtesy: Northrop Grumman]
The U.S. Air Force's top-secret B-21 Raider stealth bomber is undergoing taxi tests.
The development, first reported by The War Zone, was validated Wednesday by the Air Force.
“I can confirm the B-21 is conducting ground taxi activities," an Air Force spokesperson told FLYING. "Rigorous testing is a critical step in the B-21 flight test program. Extensive testing evaluates systems, components, and functionalities. This testing allows us to mitigate risks, optimize design, and enhance operational effectiveness. I don’t have any other details on testing at this time.”
The stealth bomber, which was unveiled to the public in December, had been projected to make its first flight by the end of 2023. Designed to carry out long-range conventional and nuclear missions, it is scheduled to hit full operational status in the mid-2020s.
In September, Northrop Grumman confirmed it had commenced engine testing, which it said was a significant milestone for the bomber's ground test program.
"While the B-21 first flight will be a data-driven event closely monitored by Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force, key programmatic decisions and strategies are placing the program in a positive position moving forward," the Falls Church, Virginia-headquartered company said.
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