Why 100 Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider Stealth Bombers Might Not Be Enough

By Dave Majumdar,The National Interest

Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider stealth bomber is rapidly approaching its critical design review (CDR), when a Pentagon review team will determine if the new aircraft is meeting the technical requirements set forth in its requirements documents.

If the design passes its CDR, the B-21 team will be cleared to build, integrate and test the aircraft before its next hurdle: the production readiness review. The idea is to ensure that the B-21 will meet its stated performance requirements within cost, schedule and risk tolerances.

“We haven’t done CDR yet, we are on our way to critical design review,” Randy Walden, director and program executive officer for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office—which is responsible for B-21program—said during an speaking engagement held at the Air Force Association’ Mitchell Institute on June 25.

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“I suspect it will be done before the end of the year. That’s our plan today.”