Image source: topwar.ru
The US Air Force reports on the successful course of ground and flight tests of the latest B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Edwards Air Force Base in California, while publishing new images of the aircraft during its flight.
This machine, designed to replace first the B-1B Lancer and then the B-2 Spirit, should become the basis of the American fleet of strategic bombers along with the B-52H, which has already undergone a lot of upgrades since the beginning of service in 1955, but, despite this, will remain in service. In total, it is planned to produce up to 100 copies of the Raider.
Image source: topwar.ru
- says the Defensa edition.
Although the unique shape of the windows was noticeable earlier, for example, in the footage of the first flight of the B-21, the new images allowed observers to compare it in more detail with the glazing of the predecessor of the Raider, the B-2 Spirit aircraft.
Image source: topwar.ru
Glazing for B-21 and B-2
As noted in the publication The Drive, the bizarre shape of the windows of the B-21 was caused by two circumstances. Firstly, the glazing has a fragmented structure, which was the result of the desire to achieve the greatest unobtrusiveness, especially from the front side. Secondly, the windows are more directed vertically rather than horizontally, which, most likely, will facilitate visual monitoring of the refueling of the aircraft.
According to the author, in general, pilots with such glazing will find it difficult to rely on natural vision. However, modern technologies can completely replace it: for example, the supersonic demonstrator X-59 has no front windows at all.
- the publication believes.
