Northrop Grumman B-22 To Apply B-2 Lessons

摘要

While it is unknown when the U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit will be retired, the aging stealth bomber may fly alongside the next-generation B-21 Raider.The B-2 bomber flew its inaugural flight 30 years ago from the Plant 42 runway here. Today, the Northrop Grumman site is preparing for development of the Raider and two newly erected beige buildings have popped up, likely tied to the next-generation bomber.Although technical and acquisition problems besieged B-2 development, the B-21 is taking a different approach. Many details remain classified, but the company and service officials acknowledge the team is being run by the Rapid Capabilities Office instead of a traditional program office.It seems B-21 development is progressing, and the Air Force's No. 2 officer-Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson-let it slip that first flight is slated for December 2021. However, House Armed Services seapower and projection forces subcommittee Ranking Member Rob Wittman (R-Va.) alerted the public last year that there was a problem with the inlet design for the B-21's Pratt & Whitney-manufactured engines. Wittman says those issues were fully addressed, and the program has made tremendous progress. "I've been pretty impressed by what both the Air Force and what Northrop Grumman have done in addressing these particular issues, and I think we're on the right course," he says. "Getting those things right to begin with and setting the tone and path I think is critically important."