Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
The B-21 Raider, The New Ace of The Skies, Completes Its Maiden Flight and Shows That The Future of Military Aviation Has Arrived
Hold on: the first bomber of the 21st century has just entered the scene and, wow, it’s making waves! On November 10, 2023, the world saw the B-21 Raider take flight for the first time, demonstrating that it’s serious business when it comes to innovation in military aviation.
Speaking of technology, the B-21 Raider is a real game changer. With a design focused on being nearly invisible on radar and infrared, it’s making a strong impression in the stealth game.
And check this out: its design features a brilliant feature with a secondary air intake on top of each nacelle, similar to the B-2, but with a key difference: it likely only has one engine in each nacelle. That’s pure strategy to optimize stealth.
-
Using the Shinkai 6500, a manned submersible that dives up to 6,500 meters, the Japanese discovered a rare Petit Spot type submarine volcano in the Pacific and were surprised by the find in a remote area of the ocean.
-
Among more than 8 million evaluated beaches, a private island in the Mexican Caribbean that only accepts visitors by boat was named the best in the world in 2026…
-
Workers found a 1.5-meter bone during construction in Maranhão, and scientists discovered a giant dinosaur that connects Brazil to Spain 120 million years ago…
-
China is recruiting young people still in high school, sidelining university, in search of “AI brains” to gain speed in the technological race in areas related to artificial intelligence.
The Raider: Leaner and More Efficient Than Its Predecessor
Compared to the B-2, the Raider is more compact, with an estimated wingspan at least 15% smaller. But don’t be fooled: smaller doesn’t mean less lethal.
This size reduction, along with a payload capacity of about half of the B-2’s 60,000 pounds (27,000 kg), actually enhances its stealth and range capabilities. In other words, it becomes harder to detect on radar, ensuring top-notch survivability and operational flexibility in conflict zones.
From The B-2 to The B-21 Raider: An Evolution in Aeronautical Engineering
The B-21 design benefits from the lessons learned with the B-2. The advanced technologies and innovative manufacturing techniques used in the B-2 have been refined and applied to the Raider.
And that’s not all: the expertise of the B-2 technicians has been essential in the B-21’s production line. This knowledge exchange works both ways, with the advancements of the B-21 helping to keep the B-2 strong and operational.
When it comes to armament, the B-21 holds its ground. It is expected to carry a sophisticated arsenal, including the latest GPS-guided munitions, such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) series, and be compatible with B61-12 nuclear bombs. This guarantees its crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Modern Aviation
The Raider also stands out in terms of radar-absorbing materials (RAM), similar to those used in the F-35, which can absorb up to 70-80% of the electromagnetic energy reaching it. And it doesn’t stop there: the AN/ASQ-239 system, an advanced electronic warfare suite, drastically enhances its survivability and operational capabilities.
Last but not least, the B-21 embraces the trend of modularity and upgradeability in modern military aviation. And the price? 700 million dollars.
Unlike previous systems, the B-21 Raider’s hardware and software are not inseparable, making upgrades and expansions of capabilities easier. This means the Raider is prepared to adapt and evolve with future demands.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!