Message posted by Vahe Demirjian (Member since 04/28/2022) on January 22, 2024 at 20:51:28 PST:
The B-21 Raider just entered low-rate initial production today. Time will tell if the number of LRIP B-21s will approach or exceed the number of B-2s built, especially because Northrop Grumman executives have hinted that inflationary pressures may impose constraints on the rate of B-21 production. A total of 102 B-52Hs (the only operational B-52 variant in service) were built, and 104 B-1s were made, so the US Air Force hoping to procure 100 B-21s might sound reasonable if the crash of one or two B-52Hs from an engine failure or other technical mishap prompts the retirement of eight B-52Hs from service to save extra money for procurement of the B-21.
In Reply to: B21 flights posted by B21 1st flight was November 10 2023 on January 17, 2024 at 19:17:50 PST:
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