US Air Force’s Stealthy New B-21 Bomber Has Radar Signature as Small as an Insect

Invisibility, in particular for aircraft, can be an effective force multiplier. Stealth aircraft can penetrate enemy airspace to reach strategic targets on enemy territory. Steel can be delivered directly to the target.

The B-21 will redefine stealth. According to a Hudson Institute paper that advocates the B-21’s deployment, the new Raider has the radar cross-section of an insect.

The Hudson Institute paper by multiple authors highlights the Northrop Grumman B-21’s strategic deterrence capabilities based on its ability to penetrate the most sophisticated A2/AD defenses. The paper also highlights its flexibility and capabilities over a long distance.

While citing the qualities of the Raider, the paper argues that it will not be sufficient to deter U.S. adversaries or execute the missions required to defeat them.

Other nations that are hostile to America also advance their military technologies, including stealthy aircraft.

According to the Hudson paper, the initial B-21 purchase should be doubled as a “start” and Congress informed of the need for additional B-21s so that they can adjust the funding and plan production.

The authors note that the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, based in Washington DC, has also recommended building a Raider Force that can defeat both major powers simultaneously and that America should purchase 288 B-21s. They add that “a prominent former national security official estimated that number at between 300 and 400.”

Not even the most optimistic optimists believe that we can achieve the original goal of the United States Department of Defense, which was to fight and win both major wars at the same time. This is something we did in 1945.

When compared, the B-21 offers a better value for American taxpayers.

Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, is an expert on economics. She uses the B-2 to compare and argue for more B-21s.

She states that after inflation the average cost for a B-2 aircraft is $1.38billion. APUC is estimated to be $706 million for a B-21. It is about half the cost.

The geopolitical situation in the world today is worrying – and that’s an understatement. That is what technology like the B-21 can do. Delivering steel on target is their primary role, yes, with a strong second being intelligence-gathering. Deterrence is also important, and if B-21’s capabilities are true, they should make Russia, China and North Korea more cautious about pressing too many buttons in dealing with the United States.

Unless, of course, they are dealing with a cackling, vapid, ill-informed, and feckless President Harris. Then I won’t hazard any guesses.

This video provides some fascinating facts about the B-21.