A second B-21 Raider bomber has flown for the first time in California, the Air Force announced Thursday, a milestone officials say will accelerate testing of America’s first new long-range bomber in more than three decades.
“With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a statement.
He added the service can now begin integrating weapons and mission systems into the bomber.
Until now, flight testing has been limited mainly to performance checks.
The B-21, built by Northrop Grumman, is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft and will be capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons.
Its stealth design is intended to penetrate deep into enemy territory and operate against incre