B-21 Raider demonstrates weapon release capability

The aircraft released a conventional weapon after thousands of hours of virtual modeling, marking its transition from flight testing to a functional weapons platform.

AF.MIL

B-21 Raider

SUMMARY

The Department of the Air Force tested the B-21 Raider’s ability to release a weapon last week, marking its transition from flight testing to a functional weapons platform.

A test aircraft flying from Edwards Air Force Base, California, released a conventional weapon. The Air Force said the test validated digital models and demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to integrate new weapons quickly.

The test followed thousands of hours of virtual modeling to refine the weapon’s expected trajectory. The program remains on track to have aircraft at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, in 2027.