Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the first and most critical calibration test of the first B-21 Raider nuclear bomber. The B-21 is preparing for its maiden flight in 2023.

The final test is one of the three main conditions an aircraft must pass during the ground test phase as it approaches its maiden flight. The load calibration test aimed to calibrate instruments and verify the integrity of the structure prior to flight and yielded positive and stable results.

During load tests, the B-21 was subjected to various loads so that the aircraft could continue to be ready-to-fly when it left the production line. Thus, the B-21 bomber can move from test to production with minimal delay.

The ground test phase will also include launching the aircraft, testing its subsystems, coating and painting. In the next phase, the team will work on the engines, conduct driving tests at low and high speeds, and then take off for the first flight.

Launched in 2014, the B-21 program aims to replace existing Rockwell B-1 Lancer, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers. During the design, production and development phases, the company highlighted risk reduction and production readiness efforts as one of the many priorities of the B-21 program.