The United States Air Force unveiled the first in-flight photos of its newest nuclear stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider
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The new photos show the B-21 conducting tests, including flight tests and taxiing, as well as a full-frontal view of the new aircraft
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The B-21 is the US military's first strategic bomber in more than 30 years, set to replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers
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As per the US Air Force, the B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber
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It got its name from the 1942 Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, and was manufactured in partnership with Northrop Grumman
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It is designed with an open systems architecture, enabling rapid insertion of mature technologies, and allowing the aircraft to remain effective as threats evolve
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It can be armed with standoff and direct-attack munitions and will be able to conduct both conventional and nuclear strikes
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B-21 is expected to enter service at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, which is planned as the first main operating base for the new aircraft
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The B-21 will enter service in the latter half of the decade. The Air Force has a goal of producing at least 100 of these aircraft