Korean Media: The U.S. Fully Reveals the New Generation Bomber B-21's Upper Body… Including Exhaust Ports and Aerial Refueling Footage

The U.S.-developed next-generation stealth strategic bomber, "B-21 Raider," which is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, has for the first time publicly unveiled its complete upper-body appearance and aerial refueling footage.

On the 15th, the U.S. professional military media outlet The War Zone (TWZ) released photographs for the first time showing the full upper view of the B-21, captured during an aerial refueling test. Previously, only slightly oblique frontal views of the B-21 had been disclosed, but never a complete overhead perspective of the entire fuselage. TWZ emphasized: "This is the first-ever public release of the full upper-body image."

The photos were taken at high altitude, making the positions and shapes of major functional components clearly visible. In the images, the in-flight refueling receptacle on the centerline of the fuselage is shown open. Ahead are the emergency escape panel, atmospheric data sensors, main air intake, emergency rescue panel ejection mechanism, and variable auxiliary intakes. The main air intake features a deeply embedded design.

Notably prominent in the rear view is the exhaust port—the critical sensitive area determining the aircraft’s stealth performance. Its design is considered one of the core technologies of strategic bombers. To conduct long-range penetration missions, strategic bombers must avoid detection by enemy radar systems and even infrared surveillance networks. However, the exhaust port directly exposes engine heat and exhaust gases, making it particularly vulnerable and potentially a weak point in the airframe.

TWZ analysis suggests that to reduce the visibility of such sensitive areas, the released photos may have undergone image processing. In fact, there is no visible indication of special materials used to mitigate heat from hot exhaust gases or protect the fuselage; nor is there any sign of the active cooling flat structures used on the B-2, or the grooves connecting the buried engine exhaust ducts to the upper tail surfaces. TWZ stated: "It remains unknown how these areas actually appear," adding, "the images may have been processed to conceal certain details."

In this side-angle photo taken during an aerial refueling formation test, the B-21 is seen trailing a refueling boom with measurement equipment tightly attached behind the tanker aircraft (61-0320). According to TWZ analysis, judging from this angle, the B-21 appears to have a short fuselage, with estimated length comparable to that of the F-15. The wingspan is approximately 145–155 feet (about 44–47 meters).

The Raider is the U.S. military’s new generation strategic bomber developed after a 33-year gap, featuring significantly enhanced stealth capabilities compared to the current B-2 Spirit. Incorporating various cutting-edge technologies, it is also dubbed the "digital bomber." As part of America’s strategic deterrent adjustments aimed at countering China’s nuclear capabilities, the Raider is the first weapon to be unveiled. Capable of launching covert strikes on any global target originating from U.S. soil, it can carry conventional precision-guided munitions and operate in unmanned mode.

Currently, the B-2 Spirit appears on radar screens roughly the size of a bird, while the B-21 is closer in size to a golf ball. Smaller than the B-2 yet with greater range, the B-21 is ideally suited for high-altitude, efficient flight. According to TWZ, while the B-2 has four engines, the B-21 likely has only two. Although its payload capacity is about half that of the B-2 (13.6 tons), it can carry substantial fuel reserves, enabling longer-range operations.

The manufacturer of the B-21, defense contractor Northrop Grumman, announced that the first B-21 will be deployed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. The U.S. has already invested over $5 billion into the B-21 program and is accelerating production. Northrop Grumman stated: "The B-21 is the most fuel-efficient bomber ever built—its fuel consumption is equivalent to only a fraction of that of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters," adding, "this will reduce reliance on battlefield refueling, allowing commanders greater flexibility in force deployment."

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862643376497929/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.