A B-21 Raider conducts ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations at Edwards Air Force Base, California. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
Former head of U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Gen. Thomas Bussiere, recommended replacing one of the B-21 Raider's two pilots with a weapons system officer (WSO).
The recommendation emphasizes that a WSO is crucial for maximizing the B-21's combat potential by handling complex tasks like weaponeering, sensor management, and electronic warfare.
While Bussiere's memo was presented as a final decision, the Air Force headquarters is still reviewing the proposed change and has not yet officially approved the new crew configuration.
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.
