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 the 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).
Bussiere argued that a WSO is essential to unlock the B-21's full potential, requiring a blend of skills including airmanship, weaponeering, sensor management, and real-time battle management.
The Air Force headquarters is currently considering this recommendation and has not yet approved the change, noting a historical reluctance to rely on a single pilot for demanding bomber missions.
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.
