Northrop Grumman B-21

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[theoderich]

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Operational Pilot Flies B-21 as Top General Pushes Urgency

In another milestone for the B-21 Raider program, an operational test pilot recently flew the bomber with a developmental test pilot sharing the cockpit.

Traditionally, developmental test ensures an aircraft meets its technical specifications and flies safely, while operational test is conducted separately and much later to determine if the platform is combat-effective, suitable and survivable in the hands of the warfighter. Transitioning directly into a combined DT/OT environment eliminates the gap between ensuring a jet simply works and ensuring it is ready for combat.

With last summer’s arrival of a second B-21 to Edwards AFB, the Raider Combined Test Force transitioned beyond initial flight performance checks into critical mission systems and weapon integration.

“Bringing operational testers onto the team at this early point in the program now means we can evaluate the bomber's true combat utility, not just its flying characteristics,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Gray, 420th Flight Test Squadron commander and Raider CTF director.

The Raider CTF at Edwards is comprised of Airmen and Air Force civilians from the 412th Test Wing’s 420th Flight Test Squadron, AFOTEC Det 5 and the 53rd Wing’s 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, along with Northrop Grumman industry partners.

https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/Display ... s-urgency/

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B-21 Prototype Environmental Protection Shelters construction, test underway

The B-21 Raider program continues to progress through the engineering and manufacturing development acquisition phase. One visible example of progress was the recent construction and installation of a temporary prototype Environmental Protection Shelter at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-21 Program Office are testing various prototype shelters to identify the most effective and affordable designs that could be used across all three B-21 Main Operating Bases, the depot, and even at forward operating locations.

SecAF visits Ellsworth AFB as base reaches historic B-21 Raider facilities milestone

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited Ellsworth Air Force Base June 30-July 1 to receive updates on the 28th Bomb Wing’s B-1B Lancer operations and the ongoing preparations to onboard the B-21 Raider.

During the visit, Meink heard details on an array of topics ranging from the status of B-1B activities to construction of numerous facilities specifically for the B-21. Recently, the base formally accepted a pair of facilities including the $161 million Low Observable Restoration Facility and the $81 million Wash Rack and General Maintenance Hangar.

The new buildings are engineered specifically to support the B-21. The facilities will allow maintenance personnel to inspect, clean, and maintain the aircraft's radar-absorbent materials indoors, a process designed to reduce aircraft downtime.

After accepting the facilities, the 28th Bomb Wing deployed fit-out teams to both buildings. These personnel are currently installing computers, furnishings and secure operational equipment to prepare the structures for active use.

The completion of the Low Observable Restoration Facility and the Wash Rack mark the first finished projects in an estimated $2 billion construction effort at Ellsworth AFB. The base will soon house the B-21 Formal Training Unit and serve as the first main operating base for the B-21 Raider.

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display ... ties-mile/

• B-21 Low-Observable Restoration Facility (LO Hangar), Ellsworth AFB, SD
  
  https://sam.gov/opp/c82973b8eed84e15acc ... 45665/view
  
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• Groundbreaking ceremony for new B-21 Low Observable Restoration Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base signifies kickoff of historic B-21 Beddown (3. Juni 2022)
  
  https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Media/Ne ... ty-at-ell/