PREVIEW

The U.S. Air Force has unveiled the first images of its B-21 bomber in flight. The images capture the bomber during takeoff, in the air, and inside a hangar at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The B-21 Raider was unveiled in December 2022, but the U.S. government has so far been discreet about showing off the cutting-edge aircraft. The B-21 is a dual-capable bomber, able to deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions. With a projected wingspan of about 140 feet, it is smaller than the B-2’s 172-foot wingspan. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21s to replace its 45 B-1s and 20 B-2s over the next decade.