Since its unveiling in December 2022, the company reports that the stealth bomber now undergoes up to two test flights per week, demonstrating its commitment to making the warplane operational as soon as possible.

Northrop also currently possesses three Raiders in various configurations, of which two are for ground testing and one for flight trials.

Recently, the B-21 assigned for ground testing completed a static test, verifying its structural design.

The one designated for flight trials also conducted fatigue testing that simulated real, long-term flight conditions.

“We’re really starting to strike up quite a cadence,” Northrop President of Aeronautics Systems Tom Jones said. “I think we’re well on the way to delivering a kind of asset that can be that daily flier for US warfighters out there.”

From flight test to production, our continued progress on the B-21 Raider is backed by its digital ecosystem and high-fidelity models. Learn more: https://t.co/zDE7sBzYRt pic.twitter.com/6jvICwNeBQ

— Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) September 18, 2024

Preparing for Tomorrow

The B-21 is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft, featuring a significant leap in capability beyond fifth-generation fighter jets such as the F-35 and China’s J-31.

It is designed to defeat the most sophisticated threats in modern warfare.

The plane incorporates stealth technology to minimize its signature, making it harder for adversaries to detect and counter.

It is also capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.

The US Air Force said it plans to procure at least 100 B-21s to replace its older B-1 and B-2 bombers.

“The progress we’ve made on B-21 in the last 12 months is remarkable,” Jones stated, adding that this development “gives us additional confidence as we look ahead to delivering on B-21.”

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Under the agreement, Northrop will supply an undisclosed number of APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars for installation on the fourth-generation aircraft.

Production and integration will take place in Maryland, with an expected completion date of May 2031.

In April, the company also received a $56-million order for the same AESA radars to enhance the capabilities of the F-16s.

The latest deal brings the total value of F-16 radar contracts to $1.6 billion.

5th Generation Fighter Radar Capability

In 2017, Lockheed Martin selected Northrop’s APG-83 as the new radar for upgraded F-16 jets used by the US Air Force and Taiwan.

The radar can detect, track, and identify multiple targets simultaneously in hostile electronic warfare environments.

The company claims that its APG-83 is an advanced system suitable for jets as modern as fifth-generation aircraft.

It features a target detection and tracking range of 65 nautical miles (120 kilometers) and faster search and target acquisition.

In addition to the F-16s, the Northrop radar is also installed on the US Marine Corps’ F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircraft.

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Named the Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept, the system combines beyond-visual-line-of-sight communication with advanced command-and-control capabilities to effectively detect, track, and counter drone swarms.

It integrates cutting-edge components, such as radars, radio frequency defeat capabilities, and AI-driven detectors for enhanced threat monitoring.

The weapon can be mounted on vehicles or deployed in fixed positions to protect high-value assets.

According to Honeywell electronic warfare director Norm Balchunas, the system can detect and neutralize drones while traveling at speeds reaching 70 miles (112 kilometers) per hour.

That capability is significant, he noted, because detecting a low, slow drone that suddenly accelerates poses a considerable challenge.

‘Multi-Layered Defensive Capabilities’

Unlike other counter-UAS solutions, the Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept system features multi-layered defensive capabilities to address multiple threats simultaneously.

It can disable drones by launching a kinetic interceptor, utilizing a directed energy weapon, or employing a soft kill method to disrupt their radio frequency.

AI also plays a crucial role in the system, enabling rapid threat detection in crowded environments and accelerating human operators’ decision-making.

“[The operators] got to make a decision. What target path is that? What effector should I use? Is this authorized within my rules of engagement?” Balchunas said. “Using AI, I can implement my rules of engagement so they’re automated.”

Honeywell is set to demonstrate the ground-breaking system to the US Air Force in January 2025.

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Today, the service faces perhaps its toughest-ever challenges to gaining and maintaining control of the air, and it must rise to meet those challenges. This is the USAF’s sacred, non-negotiable commitment to the nation. Failure is not an option.

Air Force senior leaders must unequivocally commit to this founding purpose, in both word and deed, beginning with a commitment to the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program — the initiative to create a “family of systems” to ensure continued ability to control the air. Otherwise, one must question why the nation has an Air Force. 

The Importance of Air Superiority

Air superiority is the bedrock of American military operations. It provides boundless options for the US military and its allies and partners, allowing air, maritime, and land forces to operate unimpeded by enemy threats. Without it, friendly forces are left vulnerable, dependent on the whims of adversaries.

The historical record is clear: for seven-plus decades, the US Air Force consistently maintained air superiority over every battlefield where it was called upon. This dominance enabled other Air Force missions, such as mobility, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike operations, while also allowing land and naval forces to maneuver in their domains without fear of being either surveilled or attacked from above.

Today, new challenges are leading some to question the viability of the Air Force’s foundational mission — including some of the Department’s most senior leaders. These views are misguided.

Arguments Against the Air Force’s Core Purpose

 Common themes voiced by air superiority naysayers include ubiquitous sensing, allowing adversaries to find and fix air force assets on the ground and in the air, and voluminous, precise long-range fires, allowing adversaries to effectively target air force assets in the air and on the ground at scale.

Naysayers also cite the proliferation of affordable unmanned systems that allow state and non-state actors to “flood the zone” with countless low-cost systems to overwhelm traditional, higher-priced air superiority assets, including ground-based missile defense systems, as justification for their position.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia – one in which neither side has gained control of the air – is used as a common validation of these arguments. This analysis draws the exact opposite lessons the US Air Force must learn.

It is true neither Ukraine nor Russia has achieved air superiority, resulting in a protracted, land-centric war of attrition, and it is equally true the challenge of controlling the skies over any potential battlefield in the Indo-Pacific is daunting, but these are actually arguments for and not against investments such as NGAD.

The failures of both Russia and Ukraine are not due to ubiquitous sensing, long-range fires, or swarms of drones but rather to fundamental flaws in the “Soviet way of war.”

Both Russian and Ukrainian Air Forces are treated as artillery arms of the land force rather than independent pieces of an integrated joint force executing a campaign to achieve strategic objectives. Failures on both sides to effectively organize, train, equip, and utilize their Air Forces has resulted in the current stalemate.

The lesson is not to walk away from the tools necessary to control the air domain in favor of fielding more drone and counter-drone capability. Rather, the USAF should double down on ensuring its Airmen have what is needed to effectively gain air superiority as rapidly as possible at the outset of any conflict. This begins with the NGAD program.

Pacing, Not Chasing, Threats

America’s adversaries are committed to matching our technology, and they are building a network of ubiquitous sensors and precise long-range fires in the hope we will flinch. Without a commitment to NGAD, we play right into their hands.

If the US Air Force chases rather than paces the threat, it is doomed to fail.

Pacing the threat requires a commitment to building and fielding the most capable air superiority force that the US, allies, and partner industries can produce… a commitment to NGAD.

NGAD Cuts – The Wrong Message

 Unfortunately, recent cuts to the NGAD program raise serious concerns about the Air Force’s commitment to its founding purpose. Furthermore, such cuts negatively incentivize sister services to divert precious investment dollars to “cover down” on an Air Force responsibility rather than investing in securing their primary fighting domains.

To wit, the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps have each increased investments in long-range fires and associated enabling infrastructure, as well as enhanced defensive measures, all under the assumption the Air Force can no longer provide air cover for the Joint team.

The Role of Policy

 The most capable Air Force is useless if its hands are tied with policy constraints. Military leaders must advise policymakers on the authorities required to gain and maintain air superiority vis-a-vis a peer competitor. Investments are useless if policymakers are not committed to unleashing the power of their Airmen.

Harnessing Innovative Technologies

On August 5, Gen (ret) Mark Milley and Eric Schmidt released an article in Foreign Affairs Online titled “America Isn’t Ready for the Wars of the Future.”

While I agree with their points on the need to leverage artificial intelligence and drones, reform the Department of Defense’s acquisition system, and capitalize on the US’ one-of-a-kind innovation ecosystem for the good of national defense, I disagree that the era of “shock and awe” campaigns is finished.

Technology changes, as the authors duly noted, but the principles of war have proven timeless. A commitment to NGAD is a commitment to arming America’s Airmen with the exact game-changing technologies advocated by Gen Milley and Mr. Schmidt.

Conclusion

Air Force senior leaders must reaffirm their commitment to the Service’s core mission of controlling the air by providing Airmen with the tools necessary to accomplish the mission, beginning NGAD.

Fielding NGAD arms policymakers with a credible deterrent, assures America’s allies and partners, and allows sister services to focus investments on core missions in their domains.

General Charles S. Corcoran is a retired US Air Force Major General with over 31 years of military service, culminating in his most recent role as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at USAF Headquarters (HQ) in Washington, DC.

Prior to that position, General Corcoran was the Commander of the US Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Defense Post.

The Defense Post aims to publish a wide range of high-quality opinion and analysis from a diverse array of people – do you want to send us yours? Click here to submit an op-ed.

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The site will incorporate 142 rooms with 246 beds to house soldiers deployed in the region as well as in other remote or isolated locations.

It will be available to E-4 Senior Airman and above as well as trainees at the Test Pilot School advanced flight competency program at Edwards.

The air force noted that the design and related costs for the infrastructure will be reviewed in early 2025. The construction phase will follow to complete the facilities and accommodate occupants by 2026.

“Edwards Air Force Base is a place of firsts: our first jet took off on the lakebed just a couple miles that way,” Edwards AFB Test Wing Commander Col. Douglas Wickert remarked.

“We first broke the sound barrier here less than a month after the Air Force was created. Every generation of bombers since World War II has flown here, including the first flight of the B-2.”

“There’s a reason that we like to say we live for first in flight test and to that long list of historic firsts that have taken place here at Edwards Air Force Base, I am so thrilled that we now get to celebrate one more: the Air Force’s first commercial apartment complex.”

Under Military Housing Privatized Initiative

The effort is part of the US Department of Defense’s effort to address the housing crisis of active-duty service members.

It aligns with the Military Housing Privatized Initiative (MHPI) established in the late 1990s to improve warfighters’ quality of life across specific installations.

MHPI focuses on the shortage of affordable private housing for soldiers and improvements to housing establishments owned by the government.

Work for the MHPI at Edwards will be conducted in partnership with North Carolina-based real estate developer Mayroad LLC.

‘Something New’

According to the air force, the decision to integrate a housing solution at Edwards was also driven by the site’s “multi-billion-dollar economic impact” on Southern California in addition to the base’s remote and isolated strategic location.

The base, along with its host unit 412 Test Wing, plays a “critical role” in the flight and ground experiments for the Pentagon.

“Many Airmen at the 412 Test Wing have been impacted by the shortage of housing options on or in proximity to the base,” US Air Force Energy, Installations and Environment Assistant Secretary Dr. Ravi Chaudhary stated during the ceremony.

“That’s why we’re going to flip the script and try something new, something tailored for the men and women who serve here and to our families. I can say this, we hear you, we see you, but now it’s time to deliver for you.”

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The service aims to acquire around 100 of the nuclear and conventionally capable stealth B-21s for their long-range strike and nuclear deterrence capabilities.

“We continue to achieve B-21 production milestones; through digital engineering and open architecture design, we are getting an agile strategic deterrent that delivers a decisive response as required,” said Air Force Global Strike Command commander Gen. Thomas Bussiere.

The aircraft is currently in low-rate production and undergoing flight tests, with delivery expected by 2027.

Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota was the first location to be selected to host the B-21.

B-21 Raider Progress

In May 2024, B-21 manufacturer Northrop Grumman announced that the flight test program was a success, with observations of how the warplane’s performance closely resembled digital simulations.

The world’s first sixth-generation aircraft has stealth features that can evade “even the most sophisticated air defense systems,” while its open system architecture allows for the integration of newer technology.

“The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades. It is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated during the 2022 unveiling ceremony at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California.

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The award will help further Reliable Robotics’ work on military cargo missions using autonomous flight systems, while also advancing the commercial development of these systems to meet airworthiness standards set by both the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The funding comes from AFWERX’s Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program, which supports small businesses in developing technologies for military use.

AFWERX official Lt. Col. Josh Fehd emphasized the air force’s need for highly reliable autonomous aircraft systems to support critical air logistics, operational readiness, and tactical air dominance.

Reliable’s Automation System

Reliable Robotics is the only company with an FAA-approved certification plan for full aircraft automation, including all necessary navigation and autopilot systems. 

The company’s autonomous flight technology is built to meet strict FAA standards and integrate smoothly into the National Airspace System.

The aircraft-agnostic system incorporates redundancy, high-integrity navigation, and an “always on” autopilot that is engaged through all phases of operation for enhanced safety and reliability. 

“These contracts have given us access to exercises that have allowed us to demonstrate our technology,” Reliable Robotics CEO Robert Rose shared with The Air Current.

Once the company gains full military approval, “the Department of Defense can just call on us whenever they want, and we can support them with autonomous flights anywhere,” Rose explained.

Matched Funding

Venture capital firm Eclipse Ventures provided matching funds to complement the TACFI award to Reliable Robotics.

“Eclipse believes in the dual-market application of aircraft autonomy and we are excited to provide the commercial matching funds to support this TACFI award for Reliable Robotics to further demonstrate autonomous capabilities for the Department of Defense,” said Eclipse Partner Greg Reichow.

“Reliable is leading the industry with the maturity of its autonomous flight technology, and has made unparalleled progress on certification with the Federal Aviation Administration.”

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A multi-mission tilt-duct vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle, the ARES-DV was tested twice, with its first flight without a payload sustaining a one-minute tethered hover before its descent. 

The second flight involved the attachment of the US Army’s Mobile Multiple Mission Module before the aircraft achieved another successful one-minute tethered hover.

This experimental flight test milestone for VTOL technology will support small distributed combat units through its multi-mission capabilities, such as autonomous airborne casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and cargo resupply. 

“ARES creates a new baseline for VTOL technology applied to heavy-payload, time-critical logistics crucial for dispersed operations,” Air Force Research Laboratory Program Manager Barth Shenk remarked.

This project was funded with $37 million from the US Air Force and Army’s Strategic Funding Initiative as part of a multi-year contract awarded to Piasecki in November 2023. 

Starting as a DARPA conceptual design project, the ARES underwent years of design iterations, rigorous component testing, and system-level validation leading up to the tests last week.

The ARES-DV

The ARES-DV features a modular design with rapidly reconfigurable Mission Payload Modules that can operate as either an unmanned aerial system or with an optional manned flight module, allowing it to meet diverse mission needs.

Its tilt-duct design with two ducted fans enables it to ascend vertically and fly horizontally.

Space and weight efficiency are crucial for the VTOL vehicle, so it is designed with a small landing footprint to carry out its roles on shipboard and expeditionary operations.

It can also provide embedded multi-mission C4I, ISR, combat, and logistics support to small, distributed combat forces operating over extended distances and in complex terrain.

Additionally, the aircraft uses Honeywell Aerospace’s Compact Fly-By-Wire system, a lightweight and robust integrated flight control system made to fit limited spaces.

The Fly-By-Wire system enhances the aircraft’s safety and performance through its safety-critical flight control capabilities typically found in much larger airliners and advanced fighter aircraft.

Moreover, it also provides the aircraft with precise handling and stability across a wide range of flight conditions.

“I’d like to thank our Air Force and Army customers as well as our dedicated employees and partners for their continued support as we move forward with the next phases of development,” Piasecki CEO John Piasecki said. 

The company plans to expand the aircraft’s capabilities to include fully autonomous CASEVAC and logistics resupply functions. 

“Successful flight demonstration of the ARES proof of concept demonstrator significantly reduces risk and accelerates the development timeline for a family of operational tilt-duct configurations for multi-mission VTOL UAS and high-speed VTOL applications,” Piasecki added. 

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Northrop Grumman’s AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) underwent a series of simulated radio frequency spectrum threats at the service’s Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Sensors (J-PRIMES) facility.

The F-16-mounted suite “demonstrated the ability to detect, identify, and counter advanced radio frequency threats while operating safely with other F-16 systems,” according to Northrop.

This is the culmination of almost three years of US Air Force IVEWS system-level testing, encompassing multiple integration demonstrations, flight demonstration on a surrogate platform, laboratory testing, and full integration into an F-16 Block 50 avionics system. 

Flight Tests

Flight testing to validate the results is a few weeks away, while an operational assessment is likely by the fourth quarter of the year, Air and Space Forces Magazine wrote, citing vice president of navigation, targeting, and survivability at Northrop, James Conroy.

Developmental and operational testing is expected to be completed in 2025, followed by future production and deliveries.

“I am optimistic the upcoming operational assessment flight test events will yield positive results and look forward to seeing this important capability continue to mature for US and international F-16 operators around the world,” director of F-16 International Electronic Warfare Systems, US Air Force Colonel Michael Rigoni said.

Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite

The AN/ALQ-257 IVEWS suite is stated to be on par with fifth-generation aircraft, enhancing the F-16’s survivability in contested and congested electromagnetic spectrum environments. 

Its ultra-wideband suite is capable of detecting, identifying, and countering advanced radio frequency threats, including millimeter wave systems.

It is designed to be interoperable with the aircraft’s new AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, an active electronically scanned array radar, also developed by Northrop.

Northrop was awarded the IVEWS contract in March 2022 to potentially equip as many as 450 F-16s.

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The system will be integrated into the country’s incoming 66 F-16V multi-role fighter jets ordered from the US, with the first two jets expected to be received by the end of 2024 after last year’s delays due to technical and supply chain issues. 

This latest EW system procurement, in addition to munitions and support systems, was included in the Ministry of National Defense’s spending plan submitted to the Legislature on August 30. 

However, Taiwan’s national news agency noted the procurement was absent from the 2022 to 2024 spending plans, suggesting it could have been financed through undisclosed appropriations.

Viper Shield

Officially named the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-Digital Electronic Warfare Suite, Viper Shield provides virtual electronic shields for fighter jets to detect modern radar systems and counter multiple threats simultaneously. 

L3Harris, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force, created the EW system, which is “custom designed to be baseline on advanced F-16 aircraft and maximize their survivability and mission success.”

Viper Shield incorporates a digital radar warning receiver that works seamlessly with the  F-16V’s APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar for improved situational awareness. 

Additionally, it’s equipped with a digital radio frequency memory-based jamming system for enhanced capability against advanced threats. 

This software-defined technology’s open system architecture allows easy integration of new capabilities to effectively respond to changing combat scenarios. 

Compared to older EW systems, Viper Shield has a lighter and smaller modular design for lower maintenance costs and easier upgrades without extensive downtime.

As part of an international upgrade program, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Slovakia also ordered the Viper Shield installation for their F-16Vs through foreign military sales. 

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