The Air Force today released a new artistic rendering of the B-21 Raider bomber.
The rendering is based on the actual aircraft, and an artist's interpretation of the B-21 design, with Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. — where it will undergo testing — in the background.
All plans, analysis and reports for the B-21 Raider flights, as well as ground tests, will be done by the 420th Flight Test Squadron, based at Edwards AFB.
Top military officials have testified in favor of building more of the aircraft, with the Air Force recently increasing its order of the aircraft.
The B-21 is the most advanced bomber to date with complex nuclear long range missions built into its DNA.
"Nuclear modernization is a top priority for the Department of Defense and the Air Force, and B-21 is key to that plan," Randall Walden, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director, said in Tuesday press release.
The Air Force plans to retire the B-1 fleet as B-21 becomes operational.
Ellsworth AFB, S.D., will be home to the B-21 program once it is fully operational in the mid-2020s.
