Meet the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, the World's first sixth generation aircraft, and the succesor to the B-2 Spirit. The B-21 Raider has recently undergone taxi tests at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, marking a crucial milestone before its inaugural flight. The confirmation of these tests surfaced on social media, accompanied by a photograph capturing the bomber in motion on a taxiway. Both the Air Force and Northrop Grumman are working collaboratively to prepare the B-21 for its first flight, scheduled for the end of this year, approximately a year after its high-profile unveiling in December 2022. To pave the way for this flight, a series of ground tests is underway. The B-21 Raider is a cutting-edge, dual-capable penetrating strike stealth bomber, equipped to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions. It is set to become the cornerstone of the Air Force's future bomber fleet, alongside B-52s. Designed to operate effectively in advanced threat environments, the B-21 will play a vital role in maintaining America's enduring airpower capability. This revolutionary aircraft will be part of a broader family of systems for conventional Long Range Strike operations, incorporating Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, electronic attack, communication, and other capabilities. The B-21 is nuclear-capable and adaptable for both manned and unmanned operations, enabling the utilization of a wide array of stand-off and direct-attack munitions. Importantly, the B-21 is being developed with an open systems architecture, reducing integration risks and fostering competition for future modernization efforts. This approach ensures the aircraft's ability to evolve in response to changing threat environments, making it a versatile and enduring asset for national defense. The B-21 is slated to replace the U.S. Air Force's 45 B-1 bombers, as well as 20 B02 bombers by 2040, with the potential to replace the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. Make sure to stay tuned for the first flight of the new aircraft. #KSOP #B21 #USAF #MooreCountyAirport #Raider #Aviation #NorthropGrumman #PAR
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Senior Security Correspondent at Asia Times, Assistant Lecturer, and Ph.D. student at People's Friendship University of Russia.
Today in Asia Times, I wrote about the US' progression into a new era of aerial warfare and strategic deterrence, marked by the production of the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber. This advanced aircraft, developed by Northrop Grumman, is now ready for production following a remarkably swift timeline, having passed its initial flight testing just two months prior. The B-21, designed to replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit, is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s, with the US Air Force planning to acquire at least 100 units. In my article, I discussed the strategic significance of the B-21 in the context of the evolving global security landscape, particularly the challenges posed by China and Russia. The B-21, integrating mature and semi-mature systems with an advanced airframe, is part of a larger family of systems, including the Long-Range Stand-Off missile and the RQ-180 drone. The bomber is anticipated to replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit and address their increasing vulnerability to modern air defenses. The B-21 will be crucial in penetrating dense anti-access/area-denial areas, attacking hardened underground targets, and ensuring the viability of the air-based leg of the US nuclear triad. The B-21's introduction underscores the shift in US military strategy and its implications for power projection and deterrence in the Pacific region.
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Northrop Grumman has unveiled its Hypersonics Capability Center in Maryland to develop advanced propulsion solutions powering missiles over five times the speed of sound. The facility will focus on the cost-effective production of hypersonic engine systems to support US Department of Defense’s programs dedicated to long-range, rapid-response capabilities. “This is a pivotal moment for hypersonic weapons; we have moved beyond building and demonstrating propulsion prototypes to large-scale manufacturing,” Northrop Grumman Missile Products Vice President Jim Kalberer said. “Our proactive investment in this facility establishes the supply chain and optimizes manufacturing processes to produce hypersonic systems affordably at scale.” 👉 Full story: https://lnkd.in/ezBZGSmy #northropgrumman #hypersonic #hypersonics #missiles #usairforce #innovation #military #technology #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry
Northrop Grumman Launches Maryland Center to Support US Defense Hypersonics
https://www.thedefensepost.com
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Systems Engineering Consulting of Complex Radar, Sonar, Navigation and Satellite Comm Systems
"This is a key step in fielding the Navy's first anti-ship hypersonic missile," said Raytheon President, Advanced Technology Colin Whelan https://lnkd.in/dDX36wB2. Raytheon has successfully completed a #technicalreview and a seamless #prototype fit-check in phase one of the #USNavy's #Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (#HALO) program. HALO is a high-speed missile for carrier-based aircraft such as the F-35 of F/A-18 that will allow the Navy to operate in and control contested battlespaces in anti-access/area denial environments and will support their long-range fires strategy. Digital and physical design concepts and models of Raytheon's HALO prototype were created in a matter of months using digital and #modelbaseddesign systems engineering techniques. This approach is accelerating the development of the HALO missile. A successful fit check on an F/A-18 was held in the fall, ensuring that the prototype is compatible with the Navy's Super Hornet aircraft and existing support equipment.
News | RTX completes technical review for prototype of U.S. Navy's HALO missile | RTX
spenderaedsystems.blogspot.com
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Senior Assessment Officer | Weapon systems and geopolitical specialist with +32K followers on Twitter 🔺OSINT🔻GEOINT
As part of the "MRIC" (Medium-Range Intercept Capability) project of the US Marine Corps, #USMC moved forward with the purchase of #Israel's Iron Dome system. The system includes launchers with Tamir missiles manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, AN / TPS-80 G / radar ATOR manufactured by Northrop Grumman, and the CAC2S (Common Aviation Command & Control System) control system. So, the USMC plans to receive 3 batteries of the system, a total of 44 launchers (20 missiles each), and 1,840 Tamir interceptor missiles (some sources give the figure "about 2,000 missiles"). It can be seen that the number of missiles is equal to 92 rounds of 1 launcher. As for the number of launchers, 44 each gives 3 batteries of 14 launchers and 2 more spares. These figures are much higher than those used in #Israel (3 launchers in a battery), so perhaps we are talking about 3 divisions of 12 launchers each and 8 more spare launchers. The value of the deal is not known. The estimate is that missiles alone will cost about $200 million, i.e. approximately $109,000 per rocket. This is more expensive than the commonly quoted $50,000-100,000 per missile in Israel, but for the USMC, the missiles will be largely produced in the US by Raytheon Technologies (the former Raytheon Company, merged with United Technologies Corporation in April 2020). Accordingly, the Pentagon contract will be concluded with Raytheon Technologies, and Rafael will play the role of a subcontractor. The #USA Ministry of Defense has already conducted two cycles of testing, and the results impressed the Americans, which contributed to the promotion of the deal. The MOD plans to use the MRIC to protect forward bases from cruise missiles and UAVs, as well as from rocket and artillery attacks. #USMCIronDomeDeal #DefensePartnership #AdvancedInterceptTech #USMilitaryModernization #MarineCorpsSecurity
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A standout feature of the SR-72 is its ability to reach hypersonic speeds up to Mach 6, significantly surpassing the SR-71's maximum speed of Mach 3.3. Such velocity not only outpaces any missile but also eludes contemporary air defense systems, enabling the U.S. to conduct reconnaissance and potentially strike missions in fiercely contested areas—a key advantage in scenarios involving major global powers. #usairforce https://lnkd.in/ehucxkGC
How SR-72 DarkStar Can Outpace Missiles & Air Defenses at Mach 6
warriormaven.com
Quality Practitioner; Retired:Quality Engineering Sr. Staff; Lockheed Martin QIF, DMIS & MBC Advocate
6moCancellation of the B2 was a huge mistake. Perhaps the biggest mistake we’ve made militarily wise over the last century. Few know what technological benefits were gained from the B2. Hard master gages were used until the B2 proved we had technology which allows us to utilize 3D measurements and production systems instead. First production aircraft without vertical stabilization and first stealth aircraft. It’s truly a remarkable program and if we had built the planned 132 vehicles it would have cost so much less per unit.