[Reading Science] First Reveal of the 'B-21 Radar,' the Earliest 6th Generation Fighter Jet's Actual Form

US Air Force Holds First Public Display Event on the Afternoon of the 2nd
Cutting-Edge Science and Technology, Enhanced Stealth Capabilities
Equipped with Satellite Network Utilization and Unmanned Drone Accompaniment
Approximately 900 Billion KRW per Unit, First Flight Scheduled After 2024

The U.S. Air Force unveiled the next-generation digital bomber 'B-21 Raider' at 8 p.m. local time on the 2nd. Photo by Edwards Air Force Base YouTube video capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The "pinnacle of 21st-century cutting-edge science and technology," the world's first digital bomber and 6th-generation fighter developed by the U.S. Air Force, the 'B-21 Raider,' has finally been revealed.

On the evening of the 2nd at 8 PM (local time), the U.S. Air Force publicly unveiled the B-21 Raider for the first time at the Northrop Grumman factory in Palmdale, California. The B-21 is the first new bomber developed by the U.S. Air Force in the past 30 years, and the manufacturer describes it as "the most advanced military aircraft ever built."

The B-21 is known as the world's first 6th-generation fighter entering the final stages of development. It incorporates advanced avionics such as stealth and long-range radar, characteristic of the 5th generation, with significantly enhanced stealth capabilities and cutting-edge ICT technology. It is capable of swarm operations with other manned and unmanned fighters. It can deploy both conventional bombs and nuclear weapons.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman unveiled the next-generation digital bomber 'B-21 Raider' at 8 p.m. local time on the 2nd. Photo by Edwards Air Force Base YouTube video capture.

According to materials released by the manufacturer on the 29th of last month, the B-21 is equipped with advanced networking equipment that allows real-time information exchange and joint operations with satellites and ground stations. It also has the capability to conduct combat alongside specially developed long-range unmanned aircraft called 'Wingman Drones.' The most notable feature is the evolution of its stealth capabilities. Although most of its specifications remain undisclosed, the manufacturer stated, "We continuously advance the technology using new manufacturing techniques and materials to overcome air defense systems."

Digital twin technology, aimed at innovation in manufacturing processes and cost reduction, is also a point of interest. The manufacturer has extensively applied this technology in design and manufacturing processes to significantly reduce parts development time, assembly speed, efficiency, and costs. This is why the B-21 is nicknamed the "digital bomber." Another major feature is the adoption of an open software architecture that allows for unlimited future upgrades in technology and functionality.

An artist's rendering of the next-generation digital bomber 'B-21 Raider' being developed by the U.S. Air Force in flight.

The name 'Raider' attached to the B-21 also has its origins. It comes from the Tokyo raid operation (Doolittle Raid) carried out as retaliation after the Pearl Harbor bombing by Japan during World War II in 1942. At that time, the U.S. bombers led by Colonel James Doolittle had a short range and could not return after bombing Tokyo, forcing them to make emergency landings in China and the former Soviet Union. However, it marked a turning point where the U.S. overcame the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack and regained confidence and initiative in the Pacific War.

The manufacturer is currently assembling or testing six B-21 units, and the U.S. Air Force expects the purchase price per unit to reach $692 million (approximately 903.7 billion KRW). Although the actual aircraft was unveiled on this day, it is expected to take some time before it undergoes test flights and is deployed to the front lines. The U.S. Air Force recently stated, "We do not expect the B-21 to conduct its first flight by next year."