New images show America's highly secret, $745-million stealth nuclear bomber, the B-21 Raider, taking to the air for its first publicly acknowledged flight test. The B-21 is designed to be virtually 'invisible' to enemy stealth radars and will replace older bombers in the US Air Force fleet.
Key Points
B-21 Raider is a dual-capable bomber with both conventional and nuclear capabilities
Expected to enter service in the mid-2020s with a minimum production goal of 100 aircraft
Part of the US Air Force's efforts to modernize its nuclear triad
Pros
Cutting-edge technology in military aviation
Designed to be virtually 'invisible' to enemy radar systems
Expected to play a major role in national security objectives
Cons
High cost of production and maintenance
Nuclear-capable, raising concerns about potential use