US Army's B-21 Raider — Here's everything about 'flying wing' stealth bomber

The B-21 Raider, dubbed 'flying wing', conducted its first test flight, bringing the cutting-edge fighter one step closer to becoming the country's next nuclear weapons stealth bomber on Friday.

The Raider took to the air in Palmdale, California, where Northrop Grumman has been testing and developing it.

The airplanes which are shaped like flying wings and resemble the B-2 Spirit, are to be built in 100 units by the Air Force. 

They will include stealth technology, sophisticated materials, and propulsion to increase their survivability in future battles. There are plans to construct the aircraft in both pilot-only and pilot-equipped versions.

According to Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek, "the B-21 Raider is in flight testing."

In order to offer "survivable, long-range, penetrating strike capabilities to deter aggression and strategic attacks against the United States, allies, and partners," Stefanek stated that this kind of testing is an essential first step.

The B-21 Raider is the first modern bomber aircraft produced in the United States in almost thirty years, and nearly all programme details are under seal. 

As with other US cutting-edge weapon systems like the F-35 joint strike fighter, China has attempted to obtain access to the weapon's technology and produce a copy, therefore Northrop Grumman and the Air Force have made an effort to keep the program's specifics secret.

As it invests in new weaponry to keep up with China's fast military development, the Pentagon is working to modernise all three of its nuclear triad—silo-launched nuclear ballistic missiles, submarine-launched warheads, and the B-21.

The headquarters of Northrop Grumman Corp. are in Falls Church, VA.