USAF B-21 Raider heavy bomber

[BOBO]

Did anyone else miss this too?  Or were US journalists too busy talking about how to not do any damage to the emotional well being of individuals who are incredibly weak between the ears?

I have a feeling that I just wasn't paying enough attention to the world around me.  I just found out about the F-15 and F/A-18 variants with conformal fuel tanks and weapons bays last week, and Burt Rutan's MudFighter the week before that (probably because I refuse to ever watch Iron Eagle III). 

[oakranger]

Nothing new.  They will retired the B-1 Lancer by 2030 once B-21 bomber starts production and replacing B-1 in 2025. 

[Devil 505]

Nothing new.  They will retired the B-1 Lancer by 2030 once B-21 bomber starts production and replacing B-1 in 2025.

Given the current trend of getting a new aircraft into service, I'm guessing 2035 at the earliest.

[bozon]

Given the current trend of getting a new aircraft into service, I'm guessing 2035 at the earliest.

But without the ability to open the bomb bay doors in flight.

[Devil 505]

But without the ability to open the bomb bay doors in flight.

[DaveBB]

They are also developing an ultra-long range escort fighter for it. I posted an article about that, but got no responses.

[oakranger]

They are also developing an ultra-long range escort fighter for it. I posted an article about that, but got no responses.

Well, post it on here. 

[BOBO]

They are also developing an ultra-long range escort fighter for it. I posted an article about that, but got no responses.

I'd like to read that.  Do you still have the link?

[1stpar3]

I'd like to read that.  Do you still have the link?

PLUS 1

[Gman]

Just do a search for Gen 6 USAF fighter, you'll get the phone book from a pile of the typical defense sites.

The USAF/USN is also working on an Aim120 advanced long range variant, with performance better than the new Meteor missile even, which may equip the B21 giving it an A2A defensive long range option according to a bunch of articles.  Lasers will likely be equipping the Gen 6 future fighter as well.



Link to some Gen 6/Escort fighter articles:

https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a22950/air-force-new-long-range-fighter/

http://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-sixth-generation-fighter-jet-video-2018-3

https://theaviationist.com/2017/09/17/new-lockheed-martins-skunk-works-video-teases-the-shape-of-the-next-generation-air-dominance-ngad-fighter/

https://www.military.com/defensetech/2018/03/26/air-force-offers-glimpse-6th-gen-fighters-future-flight-suits.html

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/f-35-killer-america-has-big-plans-its-6th-generation-fighter-23429



Some good sites on the topic: I have about 50 defense sites bookmarked, if anyone wants the full list PM me.



http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone

https://www.wearethemighty.com/

http://theaviationist.com/

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/

https://combataircraft.keypublishing.com/

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/

https://www.naval-technology.com/

https://fightersweep.com/

[Groth]

 and.....the Bombers our fathers, fathers, fathers flew/fly...
 B-52's???