The B-21 Raider represents the next generation of stealth bombers to enter the U.S. military. It is primed to replace the aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit models. Although it is not scheduled to enter service for some time, the U.S. has made it known that it plans on ordering at least 100 of these stealth bombers. (Everything you need to know about military steatlh technology.)
One of the most important features of the B-21 Raider is its advanced stealth technology. These stealth capabilities are expected to greatly surpass those of the previous generations of stealth bombers. The Raider is specifically designed in such a way that it is nearly invisible to radar systems and on top of that it incorporates materials that further dampen any signal it might give off.
The B-21 Raider is designed for both conventional bombing missions and even nuclear missions if need be. It can deliver a wide range of munitions with anything from precision-guided bombs to long-range stand-off missiles. This flexibility allows the U.S. Air Force to adapt the Raider to various missions, as well as using it as a serious nuclear deterrent. (This is the fastest stealth plane ever: the top 20 ranked.)
24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the B-21 Raider as well as other aircraft that the U.S. military is currently ordering. To identify every aircraft on order for the U.S. military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ranked these aircraft by how many are on order. We also included supplemental data on the type of aircraft, military branches with aircraft in service, and how many of these aircraft are in active service.
Here is a look at every aircraft on order by the U.S. military:
Why Are We Covering This?
Understanding the combat aircraft used by the U.S. Army provides insight into joint military capabilities and defense strategies. Also knowing what the U.S. has in its arsenal further explains its military capabilities.
24. Citation Encore/Sovereign/Ultra
Type: Transport aircraft
Year: 2004
Manufacturer: Cessna
Top speed: 490 mph
Armament: N/A
Aircraft on order: 2
Active aircraft: 10
Military branches with aircraft in service: United States Marine Corps
Armament: 25mm GAU-12/U cannon in external pod, Sidewinder missiles, Paveway guided bombs, Rockeye II bombs, Brimstone missiles, Storm Shadow missiles, drop bombs
Aircraft on order: 1855
Active aircraft: 376
Military branches with aircraft in service: United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps
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