Northrop Grumman Corp. and the U.S. Air Force announced that they will unveil Northrop’s B-21 Raider aircraft at the company’s Palmdale facility in the first week of December. Northrop Grumman also has a large presence in the South Bay.
The unveiling will take place during an invitation-only event hosted by the Falls Church, Virginia-based aerospace and defense contractor.
Doug Young, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop’s aeronautic systems, said that the B-21 Raider is the most advanced military aircraft ever built and is a product of pioneering innovation and technological excellence.
“The Raider showcases the dedication and skills of the thousands of people working every day to deliver this aircraft,” Young said in a statement.
Northrop is currently building six B-21 test aircrafts at its Antelope Valley plant.
The company and the Air Force confirmed in May that the first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for next year, although the actual timing of the first flight will be based on ground-test outcomes, according to a release from Northrop.
As the B-21 continues its ground-test phase, the team will power up the aircraft, test its subsystems, and apply coatings and paint. The next steps will include carrying out engine runs, as well as low-speed and high-speed taxi tests, and then on to first flight, according to a Northrop release.
Since receiving the contract to develop and build the B-21 in 2015, Northrop has assembled a nationwide team to design, test and build the aircraft.
The B-21 is a product of Northrop’s pioneering digital engineering practices and advanced manufacturing techniques together with stealth technology, the release said.
