B-2 Spirit Vs B-21 Raider: What's Changed? (2024)

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B-2 Spirit Vs B-21 Raider: What's Changed? ›

The new B-21 Raider bears a family resemblance to the B-2 Spirit, but the two bombers will differ substantially in size, and likely their number of engines and payload. Critically, the B-21 will also be far more advanced in terms of low-observable

In terms of technology, the B-21 is equipped with newer technology than the B-2. The B-21 has a more advanced radar-absorbent material (RAM) coating, which makes it even more difficult to detect by radar.

Perhaps the biggest difference is how the aircraft were designed. The B-2 was devised in an era when engineers still employed slide rules, and pocket calculators were considered expensive hardware. By contrast, the B-21 Raider is truly a product of the digital age that took advantage of computer-aided design.

B-21 to replace current B-1 and B-2 models

The B-21 is the first new American bomber aircraft in more than 30 years, and is one of six under production, according to the Air Force.

The airframe was designed in the 1980s and first deployed in 1997, and the B-2 was scheduled to 'retire' in 2030. It could be as simple as a mechanical and software degradation," retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski, a former analyst for the US Department of Defense, told Sputnik.

When it comes to delivering America's resolve, the Raider provides the Air Force with long range, high survivability and mission payload flexibility. The B-21 will penetrate the toughest defenses for precision strikes anywhere in the world.

Summary. Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider is a more advanced yet slightly smaller successor to the B-2 Spirit. The B-21 Raider has narrower air intakes for better stealth capabilities and features a sharper co*ckpit incline and different landing gear.

The twin-engine B-21's powerplants are widely thought to be descended from Pratt & Whitney's F135, which powers the Lockheed Martin F-35, but neither the USAF nor Northrop Grumman has disclosed the engines' type or specifications. Details about the B-21's progression to flight test have been scarce.

This design gives the B-2 a length (69 feet, or 21 metres) only slightly greater than that of a fighter yet gives it a wingspan (172 feet, or 52.4 metres) approaching that of its gigantic predecessor, the B-52 Stratofortress.

In 2008, a Spirit crashed on takeoff at Andersen, the accident later attributed to condensation in the air data system which gave faulty indications of the aircraft's attitude, prompting the computer to command an excessive pitch-up.

Does the B-2 have a toilet? ›

Crew Rest and Comfort Is Important on Multi-day Missions

The B-2 actually has a bed, a toilet, and a microwave aboard so creature comforts are covered for pilots who need a break.

The United States Air Force has nineteen B-2s in service as of 2024; one was destroyed in a 2008 crash and another was lost to a crash in 2022. The Air Force plans to operate them until 2032, when the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is to replace them.

The new B-21 Raider bears a family resemblance to the B-2 Spirit, but the two bombers will differ substantially in size, and likely their number of engines and payload. Critically, the B-21 will also be far more advanced in terms of low-observable technology—at least two generations beyond its elder stablemate.

The B-21 is smaller and more stealthy than the B-2, with a longer range. The first B-21s are not prototypes but rather test aircraft that the Air Force will convert to operational configuration after the completion of tests. The B-2 bombers are about thirty years old and the stealth materials have greatly improved.

The B-2's low observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2.

Summary. B-21 Raider is significantly more advanced than B-52 due to technology & stealth focus. B-52 boasts a traditional design and handles poorly as it lacks maneuverability for high speeds. B-21 Raider is much smaller & lighter than the B-52 due to its flying-wing design & stealth focus.

Summary: The U.S. Air Force's B-2 fleet, already its smallest, will shrink to 19 as the USAF opts not to repair a B-2 involved in a December 2022 mishap, citing high costs and complexities. -The decision aligns with the transition to the new B-21 Raider stealth bombers.

In addition to the single B-21 currently being used for flight testing, at least five other prototype Raiders are in various stages of production. Those six will be dedicated to test activities, but after the developmental and operational testing has been completed, they will be modified into operational bombers.