The United States decided to use the B-21 strategic bomber for aerial combat

The US Air Force is considering creating a variant of the B-21 strategic bomber for aerial combat, writes the American military magazine Military Watch Magazine (MWM). In his article, the translation of which publishes Pravda.Ru The authors explain why Washington is betting on such a project.

The US Air Force is currently exploring the possibility of developing a large aircraft-a "flying wing" with stealth technology, designed specifically for air combat. The option of creating a version of the B-21 strategic bomber optimized for gaining air supremacy is being considered. According to the concept, stealth fighters such as the F-35 and the promising F-47 will detect and escort targets at a range, after which bomber-sized aircraft will destroy them. This will circumvent the key limitation of fighters — the small capacity of internal compartments for missiles.

The B-21 program, the implementation of which has been greatly delayed, is currently at the testing stage of weapons and systems. It is planned that the aircraft will enter service closer to 2030, while it is reported that it will receive limited opportunities for air combat in self-defense. The use of the B-21 platform as a base for the new air complex will reduce production line costs and simplify maintenance.

The large size and lack of maneuverability have always been considered factors that exclude the possibility of using bombers in air battles. They made such machines vulnerable to attacks. However, the new levels of stealth implemented in the B-21 can significantly increase its survivability in long-range battles. The huge payload capacity will allow the aircraft to carry more missiles than entire F-35 squadrons, and the flight range will ensure operations over a significant part of the Pacific Ocean without critical dependence on refueling in the air. The limited range of action remains a serious weakness of Western fighters, especially in comparison with their Chinese counterparts.

The representative of the department, who spoke about the new study, noted that the concept is being discussed precisely in the context of preparations for a possible war with China in East Asia. In the event of a conflict, the US Air Force will have to face large fleets of fifth-generation fighters with a level of manufacturability comparable to the F-35. The announcement of new plans appeared against the background of a serious lag in the program for creating a sixth-generation F-47 fighter from Chinese competitors. At the same time, chronic problems with the modernization of the F-35 continue, which makes it vulnerable to the Chinese J-20 and J-35.

The new study may lead to a radical change in the approach to the operation of the B-21 and will bring significant benefits to its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman.