A B-21 Raider conducts ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations at Edwards Air Force Base, California. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
The former head of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command recommended replacing one of the B-21 Raider's two pilots with a weapons system officer (WSO).
This change is proposed to unleash the bomber's full potential by better managing complex tasks such as weaponeering, electromagnetic spectrum operations, and real-time battle management.
While the B-21 is designed for two pilots, and the Air Force has traditionally preferred dual crews for mentally and physically taxing missions, the recommendation is still under consideration and has not yet been finalized.
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.
