America’s new £584m stealth bomber normally flies well under the radar

But new images show the highly-secretive, radar-evading aircraft taking to the skies during its first publicly acknowledged flight.

The B-21 Raider was first unveiled in 2022 but the US government has so far been discreet about showing off the cutting-edge plane.

Pictures released by the US Air Force (USAF) show the nuclear-capable bomber taking off and flying over Edwards Air Force Base in California, and another of it sitting in an illuminated hangar.

Flight testing was successful, meaning the B-21 is now on target to become the backbone of the USAF bomber fleet.

A minimum of 100 are expected to enter service “in the mid-2020s” and stationed at three USAF bases across the United States.

Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, told the Senate Armed Services committee: “We are in the flight test program, the flight test program is proceeding well.

“It is doing what flight test programs are designed to do, which is helping us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very effective way.”

The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber that is able to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions.

‘Highly survivable’ refers to the aircraft’s ability to detect and defeat threats from heat-seeking and laser-guided missiles alongside other munitions.

It is touted to be virtually invisible to all enemy stealth radars and will be equipped with the latest features in military tech.

The B-21 Raider weighs around 30,000 pounds, has a wingspan of 172 feet, and can reach maximum speeds of 621 miles per hour.

It will incrementally replace existing B-1 and B-2 bombers before playing a “major role supporting national security objectives and assuring US allies and partners across the globe”, the USAF said in a statement.

The B-21 weapon system is manufactured under the Air Force’s contract with Northrop Grumman. Its predecessor, the older B-2, was also designed by Northrop Grumman during the Cold War.

The USAF said: “The aircraft is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s with a production goal of a minimum of 100 aircraft.

“When the B-21 enters the service, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, will be the first B-21 main operating base and location of the Formal Training Unit. Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and Dyess AFB, Texas, are the preferred locations for the remaining bases and will receive aircraft as they become available.”

B-21 Raiders are named in honour of the Doolittle Rangers, a group of Air Force pilots known for their surprise attack against Japan on April 18, 1942. The blitz forced Japan to recall combat forces for home defence – and it boosted morale among Americans.

The ‘21’ figure recognises the first bomber of the century.

Images © USAF