The new B-21 Raider stealth bomber of the US Air Force (USAF) took its first flight yesterday, Friday, November 10, 2023.

The B-21, made by Northrop Grumman, took off from the company’s facilities in Palmdale, California, shortly before 7 am, according to Reuters.

The advanced, strategic bomber can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons around the world using long-range aerial refueling capabilities.

The new B-21 Raider bomber has taken off for its first test flight!

Thread with photos/videos of the B-21 Raider flight test campaign, starting with this awesome video: https://t.co/hpXJns1suc

— Aerospace Intelligence (@space_osint) November 10, 2023

Videos released on social media depict the maiden flight of the Raider, offering a rare glimpse of the aircraft that the USAF keeps top secret.

Although the flight was delayed a few months since it was originally planned, officials of the manufacturing company stated that it is still within the framework of the program and that the flight would definitely take place by December 31, 2023.

The 6th generation, state-of-the-art bomber is expected to cost about $750 million each. However, the US Air Force has kept information about its price and features confidential.

Photos of the B-21 taking off for its first test flight

From Mike Henry via: https://t.co/mCk6DFvKcm pic.twitter.com/lvrj3HYGF4

— Aerospace Intelligence (@space_osint) November 10, 2023

The USAF plans to purchase at least 100 stealth bombers and begin replacing the B-1 and B-2 bombers. The B-1 has an operating cost of about $60,000 per hour and the B-2 about $65,000 per hour.

The B-21 Raider made its unveiling in December 2022 and in September 2023 it began ground testing of the engine, promising the first flight is close.

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