It looks like it came out of a science fiction movie: B-21 Raider refuels in flight with a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in the USA.

Written by Ruth Rodrigues

Published on 16/04/2026 at 10:03

Seja o primeiro a reagir!

B-21 Raider conducts in-flight refueling with Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, extending range and validating tests in the USA.

The United States Air Force has released the first official images of the B-21 Raider in air refueling operations with the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, confirming the progress of tests for the new aircraft. The activity takes place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, as part of a campaign conducted in partnership with Northrop Grumman.

The tests are considered essential to validate the global range of the bomber, which is expected to become a key component in the U.S. military strategy.

Tests with B-21 Raider follow rigorous validation steps

The in-flight refueling process involves several technical phases. Initially, the B-21 Raider conducts approach tests to the so-called ‘refueling envelope,’ which defines the safe conditions for position, speed, and approach between the aircraft.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Efficiency reduces dependence on tanker aircraft

One of the highlights of the B-21 Raider is its fuel consumption efficiency. According to Northrop Grumman, the model consumes only a fraction of what fourth and fifth-generation aircraft use.

This means a lower need for logistical support with tanker aircraft, increasing operational flexibility. Therefore, the aircraft allows for longer and more strategic missions.

Moreover, in-flight refueling significantly extends the operational range of the aircraft, according to the manufacturer.

B-21 Raider conducts in-flight refueling with Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, extending range and validating tests in the USA. Image: U.S. Air Force

B-21 Raider program advances with multiple aircraft in testing

Northrop Grumman reported that the B-21 Raider test campaign now involves multiple aircraft. The flights include performance assessments, handling, and system checks.

So far, two units have been publicly seen, although the total number has not been disclosed. The company also highlighted that there have been no significant maintenance issues between recent missions.

The first flight of the model took place in November 2023, at Plant 42 of the Air Force.

New bomber to replace old models in the fleet

The B-21 Raider is classified as a sixth-generation aircraft and was developed to replace part of the current fleet of the United States. Among the models that are to be gradually retired are:

B-1B Lancer
B-2 Spirit

Meanwhile, the bomber is expected to operate alongside the B-52 Stratofortress.

The Air Force confirmed that the first unit of the B-21 Raider is expected to be delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027. The site is already undergoing construction and adaptations to accommodate the new platform.

With over $5 billion invested in technology and infrastructure, the program is advancing rapidly. Thus, the new bomber enhances the strategic capability of the U.S. and consolidates a new generation of long-range air operations.

Source: Aerial Power

0 Comentários

Mais recente

Mais antigos Mais votado

Feedbacks

Visualizar todos comentários

It looks like it came out of a science fiction movie: B-21 Raider refuels in flight with a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in the USA.

B-21 Raider conducts in-flight refueling with Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, extending range and validating tests in the USA.

Tests with B-21 Raider follow rigorous validation steps

Efficiency reduces dependence on tanker aircraft

B-21 Raider program advances with multiple aircraft in testing

New bomber to replace old models in the fleet

Seen from space, an image taken by an astronaut shows an unlikely oasis in the Saudi Arabian desert, protected by a terrain that slows the advance of sand, surrounded by green circles, remnants of an extinct lake and nearly 10,000 years of preserved history.

While the U.S. still faces limitations in deep space, China is developing unprecedented technology with strategic satellites that maintain communication with the far side of the Moon and aims for dominance by 2030.

In Botswana, a salt flat of up to 16,000 km² that was once an African megalake spends months as an absolute white desert, but during the rainy season it transforms into a shallow sea that reappears from nowhere and can be seen from space in the middle of southern Africa.

The Blood Falls of Antarctica hide a living ecosystem trapped under the ice for over 2 million years, where microbes survive without light, without oxygen, and without ever having seen the Sun.

Bavarian archaeologists unearthed a medieval skeleton that had an articulated iron hand in place of its left arm, and the discovery reveals that doctors were already creating sophisticated prosthetics over 500 years ago.

The CEO of Honor in Spain says that smartphones will change with AI, foldables, and even robot phones; the component crisis is making cheap models more expensive in 2026 and shifting the focus to premium.

IMF issues global warning: war could push the world into recession and oil prices could soar above $110.

Federal Institute opens 30 spots for a free Web Programming course with selection by lottery; see how to enroll and obtain a certificate from IFPR.

Labor crisis in Japan leads the country to a record of 2.57 million foreign workers, but 85% still pay agencies to find jobs and face fees of up to 6,000 euros.

U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier disappears from the map and diverts to Africa after the crash of the Triton drone, a sign that even an armed giant does not feel safe near Hormuz now.

The most volcanic moon in the Solar System shoots jets of lava over 400 km high, has more than 400 active volcanoes, and supplies Jupiter with a plasma ring that reaches temperatures of up to 100,000°C while redefining the boundaries of geological activity beyond Earth.

It looks like it came out of a science fiction movie: B-21 Raider refuels in flight with a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in the USA.

B-21 Raider conducts in-flight refueling with Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, extending range and validating tests in the USA.

Tests with B-21 Raider follow rigorous validation steps

Efficiency reduces dependence on tanker aircraft

B-21 Raider program advances with multiple aircraft in testing

New bomber to replace old models in the fleet

Seen from space, an image taken by an astronaut shows an unlikely oasis in the Saudi Arabian desert, protected by a terrain that slows the advance of sand, surrounded by green circles, remnants of an extinct lake and nearly 10,000 years of preserved history.

While the U.S. still faces limitations in deep space, China is developing unprecedented technology with strategic satellites that maintain communication with the far side of the Moon and aims for dominance by 2030.

In Botswana, a salt flat of up to 16,000 km² that was once an African megalake spends months as an absolute white desert, but during the rainy season it transforms into a shallow sea that reappears from nowhere and can be seen from space in the middle of southern Africa.

The Blood Falls of Antarctica hide a living ecosystem trapped under the ice for over 2 million years, where microbes survive without light, without oxygen, and without ever having seen the Sun.

Bavarian archaeologists unearthed a medieval skeleton that had an articulated iron hand in place of its left arm, and the discovery reveals that doctors were already creating sophisticated prosthetics over 500 years ago.

The CEO of Honor in Spain says that smartphones will change with AI, foldables, and even robot phones; the component crisis is making cheap models more expensive in 2026 and shifting the focus to premium.

U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier disappears from the map and diverts to Africa after the crash of the Triton drone, a sign that even an armed giant does not feel safe near Hormuz now.

Measuring 13.5m in wingspan and 20.4m in length, the Chengdu J-20, China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, combines high speed, advanced technology, and significant armament capacity, enhancing global air power.

With 36,700 tons, 245 meters in length, capability for F-35B, a floodable dock, and NATO hospital on board, the ITS Trieste has become the largest ship in the history of the Italian Navy and functions as a helicopter carrier, amphibious ship, and crisis response base on a single platform.

Brazilians aged 18 who do not enlist in 2026 will be fined by the government and may face legal restrictions, such as being barred from obtaining a passport, holding public office, and enrolling in universities — understand what changes.

IMF issues global warning: war could push the world into recession and oil prices could soar above $110.

Federal Institute opens 30 spots for a free Web Programming course with selection by lottery; see how to enroll and obtain a certificate from IFPR.

Labor crisis in Japan leads the country to a record of 2.57 million foreign workers, but 85% still pay agencies to find jobs and face fees of up to 6,000 euros.

U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier disappears from the map and diverts to Africa after the crash of the Triton drone, a sign that even an armed giant does not feel safe near Hormuz now.

The most volcanic moon in the Solar System shoots jets of lava over 400 km high, has more than 400 active volcanoes, and supplies Jupiter with a plasma ring that reaches temperatures of up to 100,000°C while redefining the boundaries of geological activity beyond Earth.