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No, those programs are unrelated to the B-21, and the B-21's design phase precedes the existence of the loyal wingman concept. It also doesn't fit the mission p
by jasonwatkinspdx 3y ago
No, those programs are unrelated to the B-21, and the B-21's design phase precedes the existence of the loyal wingman concept. It also doesn't fit the mission profile of the B-21, as it's job is strategic bombing using stealth, which is done solo not in formations. It'll no doubt have networking capabilities with ISR drones to set up kill chains but on mission it will be completely silent in terms of EM emissions.
The B-21 itself is also optionally manned.
- 2OEH8eoCRo0 3y agohttps://www.flightglobal.com/military-uavs/us-air-force-commits-to-fielding-loyal-wingman-uavs/146802.article https://www.flightglobal.com/military-uavs/us-air-force-comm... > The loyal wingman concept will also be extended to the top-secret Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bomber. > “The B-21 is a very expensive aircraft. It has a certain payload and range. We would like to amplify that capability. It has the ability to penetrate, which is valuable,” says Kendall. “What we want is something that can go operate with it. I wouldn’t say ‘accompany it’ necessarily. The tactics are very much to be determined.”
- jasonwatkinspdx 3y agoYeah, that's just the usual posturing after programs are already started and everyone tries to hitch to everyone's wagon. The reason why that last sentence is there is even this person knows what they're saying isn't credible vs the actual mission profile of the B-21 and they're doing a PR move to get ahead of that.
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]