WASHINGTON — The B-21 Raider has begun carrying out taxi tests at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, a key step for the Northrop Grumman-made stealth bomber before it may well perform its first flight.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson confirmed the primary B-21 bomber is now taxing along the bottom, but said no other details on its testing were available.
Confirmation of the B-21′s taxi tests got here after a photograph of the bomber, taken from the rear and apparently showing it moving along a taxiway, emerged on social media.
“Rigorous testing is a critical step within the B-21 flight test program,” the Air Force said. “Extensive testing evaluates systems, components and functionalities. This testing allows us to mitigate risks, optimize design, and enhance operational effectiveness.”
The Air Force and Northrop Grumman plan for the initial B-21 bomber to have its first flight by the top of the yr, which can be a few yr after its heavily publicized rollout in December 2022. The 2 are also carrying out a series of ground tests to pave the best way for that flight.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall did say on the Air and Space Forces Association’s conference in September that the primary flight should occur this yr “absent any unexpected surprises,” but cautioned “surprises do occur in acquisition programs.”
Officials said on the conference that engine runs — or tests the bomber’s propulsion systems — had begun. Other preparations included activating its systems, troubleshooting its fuel systems, and ensuring its doors, landing gears and control actuation systems work properly.
The B-21 will probably be put through a series of further flight tests after it arrives at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Air Force now has at the very least six B-21s in various stages of production and testing.
Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations.