A B-21 Raider conducts ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations at Edwards Air Force Base, California. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
A former head of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command recommended replacing one of the two pilots on the B-21 Raider with a weapons system officer (WSO).
The rationale for this change is to maximize the B-21's combat potential by incorporating expertise in complex areas like weaponeering, electronic warfare, and battle management.
Despite the recommendation, the Air Force headquarters is still considering the proposed crew change and has not yet officially approved the addition of a WSO.
The former head of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command recommended replacing one of the two pilots on the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider with a weapons system officer, according to a report from Aviation Week.
The online news outlet obtained a copy of the recommendation authored by then-General Thomas Bussiere, who submitted it more than two months ago.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
