What You Need to Know: Aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton recently captured rare images of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider during a test flight in California, which he shared on X.

-The stealth bomber, which made its maiden flight last year, has since entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) as it undergoes flight testing, preparing to replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. The Pentagon awarded Northrop Grumman a second LRIP contract, with at least 100 B-21 Raiders slated for production.

-Aviation enthusiasts can anticipate more sightings as this future cornerstone of U.S. air power progresses toward operational readiness by the decade’s end.

Rare Sight: Photographer Captures B-21 Raider Test Flight in California​

Last week, noted aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton spotted a Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider during a test flight in California and shared his photos on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

In one post, he wrote, "No goblins for Halloween, but I did see a ghost! #B21 #B21Raider."

Just a year ago, on November 10, 2023, the future backbone of the U.S. bomber fleet took its maiden flight in Palmdale, California. The U.S. Air Force had previously announced that advanced notice wouldn't be given as to when exactly the first flight would occur, but the Raider had been undergoing taxi tests – and there was a chance its maiden flight could have occurred unexpectedly. Though the service also didn't publicize the event, about three dozen aviation enthusiasts and others still gathered around Plant 42 and witnessed the flying wing-styled bomber take to the skies.

Lucky Shot of B-21 Bomber

Flight testing continues on the stealth aircraft, but the Air Force still doesn't publicize when or where aviation buffs might get a chance to see the flying wing bomber overhead. Hamilton just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

"I hiked four miles to scout out a new location for shooting fighter jets flying the Sidewinder low level. It was a pretty slow day for jet passes so I was focusing on photographing some aerial refueling that was happening overhead," Hamilton told TheAviationist. "During some downtime, I noticed two contrails off in the distance and immediately had a feeling it was the B-21 with its chase plane. It made one big revolution and then the contrails disappeared and so did the Raider. I can't say for sure how far away it was but it was definitely in the lower portion of the 2508 complex."

Shooting with his Canon R5 with a 100-500 lens, he was able to get such clear shots of the aircraft.

More Opportunities Coming

There will likely be plenty of opportunities for Hamilton and other aviation buffs to see the B-21 Raider in the skies. Besides the ongoing test flights, the bomber entered low-rate initial production (LRIP), meaning that the manufacturing of production aircraft had begun. To help facilitate the LRIP and to keep costs under control, the six original prototypes that are being used in test flights were built on the same production lines that will provide the final aircraft.

Last month, it was reported that the Pentagon will likely award Northrop Grumman a contract for the second LRIP.

The future backbone of the U.S. Air Force's bomber fleet is now on track to begin entering service before the end of the decade, and it will replace the aging Rockwell B-1B Lancer and Northrop B-2 Spirit. At least 100 of the aircraft will be produced, or five times the number of B-2 Spirits – though some Air Force officials have suggested that number should be doubled.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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