Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

Military Aviation => Modern Military Aircraft => Topic started by: jasT1981 on December 02, 2022, 08:46:03 PM

Title: USAF B-21 Raider
Post by: jasT1981 on December 02, 2022, 08:46:03 PM
The new USAF B-21 Raider will be revealed tonight.

https://twitter.com/northropgrumman/status/1598678377845645313
Title: Re: USAF B-21 Raider
Post by: Angry Turnip on December 03, 2022, 12:18:35 PM
I was hoping for something triangular shaped  :D

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63845082 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63845082)

I note in the article it claims the USAF plan to acquire at least 100 of the aircraft, I reckon 20-25 would be more realistic.
Title: Re: USAF B-21 Raider
Post by: jasT1981 on December 03, 2022, 02:42:14 PM
My first thought was 'Well, that's the last 10 years of UFO sightings explained' lol

Title: Re: USAF B-21 Raider
Post by: Jimi182 on December 03, 2022, 09:44:10 PM
I was hoping for something triangular shaped  :D

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63845082 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63845082)

I note in the article it claims the USAF plan to acquire at least 100 of the aircraft, I reckon 20-25 would be more realistic.

It depends on whether they learnt their lesson from the B-2 acquisition program.

But yes, why does any country need 100 of these type of bombers
Title: Re: USAF B-21 Raider
Post by: Sneaky_Nikon on December 03, 2022, 10:53:00 PM
They're eventually supposed to replace both the B1 and B2, hence the numbers.  Meanwhile the BUFF soldiers on with no like for like replacement in sight.
Title: Re: USAF B-21 Raider
Post by: Angry Turnip on December 04, 2022, 01:58:37 PM
In December 2022, the cost of a B-21 aircraft was estimated to be US$700 million; at the time, Air Force officials estimated that the cost to develop, purchase, and operate a fleet of 100 B-21s over a 30-year period would be at least $203 billion.  :o

Doubtless there won`t be an export version :D