B-21 starts taxi tests; Northrop expects first flight by year’s end

The Air Force’s new stealth bomber is taxiing in Palmdale, California, signaling that the B-21 Raider’s first flight could be imminent. 

“I can confirm the B-21 is conducting ground taxi activities,” an Air Force spokesperson said.

A purported picture of the B-21 during its taxi test is circulating on social media; it appears to show the aircraft from behind, a view that official photos have not offered. 

Planemaker Northrop Grumman still expects a low-rate-initial-production award this year after first flight, CEO Kathy Warden said Thursday during the company’s third-quarter earnings call. 

The Air Force announced last month that the program started engine tests on the bomber at Northrop’s facility in Palmdale.

While the service wouldn’t comment on further testing details, the spokesperson said, “Rigorous testing is a critical step in the B-21 flight test program. Extensive testing evaluates systems, components, and functionalities. This testing allows us to mitigate risks, optimize design, and enhance operational effectiveness.”

As Northrop gears up for first flight, Warden said that Congress’s current budget stand-off will not affect flight testing or the timing of the LRIP award.  

On Friday, the White House sent Congress a $105 billion supplemental budget request to primarily give more support to Ukraine and Israel, but also asked to fund other defense priorities, including $2.6 billion for classified Air Force procurement programs. 

Asked if the supplemental would help support Northrop’s programs in the event of an extended continuing resolution, Warden said: “I will simply say we do continue to work with the Air Force on ensuring that we have the resources necessary to make the B-21 program successful.”