The US Air Force refused to create an unmanned version of the B-21 Raider strategic bomber.
What
Known
The United States Air Force wanted to developa full-fledged unmanned modification of the promising B-21 Raider aircraft. This was one of the operational requirements announced by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in 2021. However, this idea had to be abandoned, because. The evaluation of the project demonstrated its unprofitability.
US Air Force representatives for three daysdiscussed with partners the future of the unmanned version of the B-21 Raider. Despite the refusal to produce a drone, the agency decided to develop unmanned aerial vehicles that will provide support for the manned modification of the B-21.
The key task of drones will be distractionenemy aviation and air defense systems. The appearance of drones on the battlefield should significantly increase the survivability of a strategic bomber.
Recall that work on the creation of the B-21 Raiderhasn't ended yet. The aircraft will make its first flight in 2023. The cost of one B-21 unit will be approximately $500 million. Almost $50 billion has been allocated for the nuclear bomber development program.