Air Force reveals first image of B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber

By Thom Patterson, CNN
Updated 7:29 AM EST, Wed March 2, 2016
The first versions of this long-range heavy bomber flew in 1954. A total of 744 were built, the last of those in 1962. The Air Force maintains 58 B-52s in the active force and 18 in the Reserve. A single B-52 can carry 70,000 pounds of mixed munitions, including bombs, missiles and mines. The eight-engine jets have a range of 8,800 miles.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
B-52 Stratofortress —  
The first versions of this long-range heavy bomber flew in 1954. A total of 744 were built, the last of those in 1962. The Air Force maintains 58 B-52s in the active force and 18 in the Reserve. A single B-52 can carry 70,000 pounds of mixed munitions, including bombs, missiles and mines. The eight-engine jets have a range of 8,800 miles.
PHOTO: Master Sgt. Greg Steele/U.S. Air Force
A C-130J Super Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron flies over Normandy, France, June 3, 2015. First delivered to the Air Force in 1956, the C-130 remains one of the service
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
C-130 Hercules transport —  
A C-130J Super Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron flies over Normandy, France, June 3, 2015. First delivered to the Air Force in 1956, the C-130 remains one of the service's most important airlift platforms. More than 140 are still in active units, with more than 180 in the National Guard and a hundred more in the Reserve. The C-130 is powered by four turboprop engines.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
The AC-130H Spectre and the AC-130U Spooky gunships are designed for close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Armaments on the Spectre include 40mm and 105mm cannons. The Spooky adds a 25mm Gatling gun.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
AC-130 gunships —  
The AC-130H Spectre and the AC-130U Spooky gunships are designed for close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Armaments on the Spectre include 40mm and 105mm cannons. The Spooky adds a 25mm Gatling gun.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force
The twin-engine F-22 stealth fighter, flown by a single pilot and armed with a 20mm cannon, heat-seeking missiles, radar-guided missiles and radar-guided bombs, can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The service has 183 of the Raptors, which went operational in 2005.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
F-22 Raptor —  
The twin-engine F-22 stealth fighter, flown by a single pilot and armed with a 20mm cannon, heat-seeking missiles, radar-guided missiles and radar-guided bombs, can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The service has 183 of the Raptors, which went operational in 2005.
PHOTO: Justin Connaher/U.S. Air Force
The single-engine F-35A is the Air Force
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
The single-engine F-35A is the Air Force's eventual replacement for the F-16 and the A-10. The supersonic jets, which will be able to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks, are just beginning to enter the Air Force fleet. Here, an F-35 Lightning II from the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, flys at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 15, 2017.
PHOTO: US Air Force/Airman 1st Class Elijah Chevalier
The four-engine B-2 heavy bomber has stealth properties that make it hard to detect on radar. Flown by a crew of two, it has an unrefueled range of 6,000 miles and can deliver both conventional and nuclear bombs. Twenty B-2s are in the active inventory. They joined the fleet in 1997.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
B-2 Spirit bomber —  
The four-engine B-2 heavy bomber has stealth properties that make it hard to detect on radar. Flown by a crew of two, it has an unrefueled range of 6,000 miles and can deliver both conventional and nuclear bombs. Twenty B-2s are in the active inventory. They joined the fleet in 1997.
PHOTO: Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald/USAF
The four-engine jet can fly at 900 mph and carry the largest payload of bombs and missiles in the Air Force inventory. The Air Force has 62 B-1Bs in the fleet.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
B-1B Lancer bomber —  
The four-engine jet can fly at 900 mph and carry the largest payload of bombs and missiles in the Air Force inventory. The Air Force has 62 B-1Bs in the fleet.
PHOTO: Airman 1st Class James L. Miller/USAF
The F-15 Eagle, the Air Force
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
F-15 Eagle —  
The F-15 Eagle, the Air Force's main air superiority fighter, became operational in 1975. With a crew of one or two, depending on the model, the twin-engine jets are armed with a 20mm cannon along with Sidewinder or AMRAAM missiles. The Air Force lists 249 F-15 Eagles in its inventory.
PHOTO: Airman 1st Class Chad Warren/USAF
The Strike Eagle is a version of the air superiority fighter adapted to perform ground-strike missions. With a crew of two, the twin-jet can carry and deploy most weapons in the Air Force inventory and operate in any weather. The F-15E was first delivered in 1988. The Air Force lists 219 in its fleet.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
F-15E Strike Eagle —  
The Strike Eagle is a version of the air superiority fighter adapted to perform ground-strike missions. With a crew of two, the twin-jet can carry and deploy most weapons in the Air Force inventory and operate in any weather. The F-15E was first delivered in 1988. The Air Force lists 219 in its fleet.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force/FILE
The A-10 Thunderbolt jets, nicknamed "Warthogs," are specially designed for close air support of ground forces. Key to their armaments is a 30mm Gatling gun. The pilot is protected from ground fire by titanium armor, and the plane
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
A-10 Thunderbolt —  
The A-10 Thunderbolt jets, nicknamed "Warthogs," are specially designed for close air support of ground forces. Key to their armaments is a 30mm Gatling gun. The pilot is protected from ground fire by titanium armor, and the plane's fuel cells are self-sealing in case of puncture.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force/FIle
The RC-135U Combat Sent, based at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, provides strategic electronic reconnaissance information to the president, secretary of defense, Department of Defense leaders and theater commanders.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
RC-135U —  
The RC-135U Combat Sent, based at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, provides strategic electronic reconnaissance information to the president, secretary of defense, Department of Defense leaders and theater commanders.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force
An F-15 Eagle takes off from the Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flight line as two E-3 Sentries are seen in the background.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
An F-15 Eagle takes off from the Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flight line as two E-3 Sentries are seen in the background.
PHOTO: Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Schultz/USAF
A 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron OV-10 Bronco aircraft fires white phosphorus rockets to mark a target for an air strike during tactical air control training.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
OV-10 Bronco —  
A 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron OV-10 Bronco aircraft fires white phosphorus rockets to mark a target for an air strike during tactical air control training.
PHOTO: USAF/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
An A-29 Super Tucano taxis on the flightline during its first arrival, Sept. 26, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Afghan Air Force pilots trained on the planes that will be used in air-to-ground attack missions in Afghanistan.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
A-29 Super Tucano —  
An A-29 Super Tucano taxis on the flightline during its first arrival, Sept. 26, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Afghan Air Force pilots trained on the planes that will be used in air-to-ground attack missions in Afghanistan.
PHOTO: Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman/USAF
The four-engine KC-135 joined the Air Force fleet in 1956 as both a tanker and cargo jet. It can carry up to 200,000 pounds of fuel and 83,000 pounds of cargo and passengers in a deck above the refueling system. More than 400 of the KC-135s are flown by active, Air Guard and Reserve units.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
KC-135 Stratotanker —  
The four-engine KC-135 joined the Air Force fleet in 1956 as both a tanker and cargo jet. It can carry up to 200,000 pounds of fuel and 83,000 pounds of cargo and passengers in a deck above the refueling system. More than 400 of the KC-135s are flown by active, Air Guard and Reserve units.
PHOTO: Master Sgt. Keith Reed/USAF
The single-engine jet is a mainstay of the Air Force combat fleet. It can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with its 20mm cannon and ability to carry missiles and bombs on external pods. More than 1,000 F-16s are in the Air Force inventory.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
F-16 Fighting Falcon —  
The single-engine jet is a mainstay of the Air Force combat fleet. It can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with its 20mm cannon and ability to carry missiles and bombs on external pods. More than 1,000 F-16s are in the Air Force inventory.
PHOTO: Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald/U.S. Air Force/File
The four-engine jet joined the Air Force fleet in 1993 with a primary mission of troop and cargo transport. Each plane can carry up to 102 troops or 170,900 pounds of cargo. The Air Force has 187 C-17s on active duty, 12 in the Air National Guard and 14 in the Reserve.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
C-17 Globemaster transport —  
The four-engine jet joined the Air Force fleet in 1993 with a primary mission of troop and cargo transport. Each plane can carry up to 102 troops or 170,900 pounds of cargo. The Air Force has 187 C-17s on active duty, 12 in the Air National Guard and 14 in the Reserve.
PHOTO: SSgt Sean M. Worrell/USAF
The C-5, with a wingspan of 222 feet, a length of 247 feet and a height of 65 feet, is the largest plane in the Air Force inventory and one of the largest aircraft in the world. The first versions of the four-engine jet joined the force in 1970. The Air Force expects to have 52 versions of the latest model, the C-5M, in the fleet by 2017.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
C-5 Galaxy transport —  
The C-5, with a wingspan of 222 feet, a length of 247 feet and a height of 65 feet, is the largest plane in the Air Force inventory and one of the largest aircraft in the world. The first versions of the four-engine jet joined the force in 1970. The Air Force expects to have 52 versions of the latest model, the C-5M, in the fleet by 2017.
PHOTO: Jason Minto/US AIR FORCE
The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines vertical takeoff, hover and landing qualities of a helicopter with the normal flight characteristics of a turboprop aircraft, according to the Air Force. It is used to move troops in and out of operations as well as resupply units in the field. The Air Force has 33 Ospreys in inventory.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
CV-22 Osprey —  
The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines vertical takeoff, hover and landing qualities of a helicopter with the normal flight characteristics of a turboprop aircraft, according to the Air Force. It is used to move troops in and out of operations as well as resupply units in the field. The Air Force has 33 Ospreys in inventory.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Markus Maier
AWACS stands for airborne warning and control system. This four-engine jet, based on a Boeing 707 platform, monitors and manages battle space with its huge rotating radar dome. The planes have a flight crew of four supporting 13 to 19 specialists and controllers giving direction to units around the battle space. The Air Force has 32 E-3s in inventory.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
E-3 Sentry AWACS —  
AWACS stands for airborne warning and control system. This four-engine jet, based on a Boeing 707 platform, monitors and manages battle space with its huge rotating radar dome. The planes have a flight crew of four supporting 13 to 19 specialists and controllers giving direction to units around the battle space. The Air Force has 32 E-3s in inventory.
PHOTO: US Air Force
Based on the DC-10 passenger jet, the triple-engine KC-10 is a gas station in the sky with the ability to carry 75 people and 170,000 pounds of cargo. In its six tanks, the KC-10 can carry up to 356,000 pounds of fuel and dispense it while airborne. The Air Force has 59 KC-10s on active duty.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
KC-10 Extender —  
Based on the DC-10 passenger jet, the triple-engine KC-10 is a gas station in the sky with the ability to carry 75 people and 170,000 pounds of cargo. In its six tanks, the KC-10 can carry up to 356,000 pounds of fuel and dispense it while airborne. The Air Force has 59 KC-10s on active duty.
PHOTO: Brian Dyjak/USAF
The twin-engine jet trainer, used by the Air Force to prepare pilots for the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1B Lancer, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-22 Raptor, first flew in 1959. Almost 550 are in the active force.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
T-38 Talon —  
The twin-engine jet trainer, used by the Air Force to prepare pilots for the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1B Lancer, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-22 Raptor, first flew in 1959. Almost 550 are in the active force.
PHOTO: Master Sgt. Lance Cheung/USAF
The single-engine, single-pilot U-2 is used for high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance. Flying at altitudes around 70,000 feet, pilots must wear pressure suits like those worn by astronauts. The first U-2 was flown in 1955. The planes were used on missions over the Soviet Union during the Cold War, flying too high to be reached by any adversary. The Air Force has 33 U-2s in its active inventory.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
U-2 —  
The single-engine, single-pilot U-2 is used for high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance. Flying at altitudes around 70,000 feet, pilots must wear pressure suits like those worn by astronauts. The first U-2 was flown in 1955. The planes were used on missions over the Soviet Union during the Cold War, flying too high to be reached by any adversary. The Air Force has 33 U-2s in its active inventory.
PHOTO: USAF/Getty Images
The four-engine WC-135 is used to fly through airspace to detect the residue of nuclear blasts. "The aircraft is equipped with external flow-through devices to collect particulates on filter paper and a compressor system for whole air samples collected in holding spheres," the Air Force says. It has two of these jets in the active force.
Photos: In the U.S. Air Force fleet
WC-135 Constant Phoenix —  
The four-engine WC-135 is used to fly through airspace to detect the residue of nuclear blasts. "The aircraft is equipped with external flow-through devices to collect particulates on filter paper and a compressor system for whole air samples collected in holding spheres," the Air Force says. It has two of these jets in the active force.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force/Josh Plueger

Story highlights

U.S. Air Force unveils first official image of B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber

Air Force secretary says name suggestions will come from men and women of the Air Force

(CNN) —  

It’s an image that’s being picked apart by military aviation experts around the world: the first official drawing of the U.S. Air Force’s B-21 bomber.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James unveiled the artist rendering February 26 based on the initial design concept.

Black, sleek, with swept-back wings and a stealthy design, this aircraft looks a lot like another famous bomber – the B-2 Spirit.

B-21 artist rendering
B-21 artist rendering
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force

James seemed to hint at that during her announcement. “The B-21 has been designed from the beginning based on a set of requirements that allows the use of existing and mature technology,” she said at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida.

At first glance, the drawing seems basic. But make no mistake, aviation geeks and America’s military competitors will be picking it apart for clues to learn more about this very expensive and powerful weapons system. China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and just about anyone in the world involved in developing advanced stealth technology will look at this drawing for any indication of where U.S. design is headed.

The Pentagon has requested $582.7 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. A healthy chunk of that money would go to acquiring new hardware, including F-35 fighter jets. The Pentagon is requesting $10.1 billion for F-35s in three variants: 43 F-35As for the Air Force, 16 F-35Bs for the Marine Corps and four F-35Cs for the Navy.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
The Pentagon has requested $582.7 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. A healthy chunk of that money would go to acquiring new hardware, including F-35 fighter jets. The Pentagon is requesting $10.1 billion for F-35s in three variants: 43 F-35As for the Air Force, 16 F-35Bs for the Marine Corps and four F-35Cs for the Navy.
PHOTO: Alex R. Lloyd/USAF
The budget request also includes two F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
F/A-18 Hornet —  
The budget request also includes two F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
PHOTO: Lindsay A. Preston/U.S. Navy/File
The Pentagon wants $759 million for two MQ-4C Tritons. It says the drones will "maximize capabilities and extend the reach of our airborne systems."
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
MQ-4C Triton —  
The Pentagon wants $759 million for two MQ-4C Tritons. It says the drones will "maximize capabilities and extend the reach of our airborne systems."
PHOTO: Chad Slattery/Northrup Grumman/U.S. Navy
The request includes $2.2 billion to buy P-8A Poseidons -- modified Boeing 737s designed to be submarine hunters.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
P-8A Poseidon —  
The request includes $2.2 billion to buy P-8A Poseidons -- modified Boeing 737s designed to be submarine hunters.
PHOTO: U.S. Navy/Spec. 1st Class Anthony Petry
The Pentagon wants $3.2 billion to buy two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer —  
The Pentagon wants $3.2 billion to buy two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.
PHOTO: MC1 Sean Spratt/U.S. Navy
One America-class amphibious assault ship is included in the Navy
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
America-class amphibious assault ship —  
One America-class amphibious assault ship is included in the Navy's 2017 budget. Amphibious assault ships can deploy aircraft, including the new F-35 fighter jets.
PHOTO: MC1 Brian P. Biller/U.S. Navy
The request includes $5.2 billion to buy two Virginia-class attack submarines. Here, a dolphin swims in front of the USS John Warner during its sea trials in May.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
Virginia-class attack submarine —  
The request includes $5.2 billion to buy two Virginia-class attack submarines. Here, a dolphin swims in front of the USS John Warner during its sea trials in May.
PHOTO: U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries by ChrisOxley/Released
The budget request includes money for two littoral combat ships like the USS Little Rock, shown here after it was christened in 2015. The 2017 budget stipulates that the Navy will reduce its planned littoral combat ship/fast frigate procurement from 52 ships to 40.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
Littoral combat ship —  
The budget request includes money for two littoral combat ships like the USS Little Rock, shown here after it was christened in 2015. The 2017 budget stipulates that the Navy will reduce its planned littoral combat ship/fast frigate procurement from 52 ships to 40.
PHOTO: From Lockheed Martin
The Pentagon wants $3.1 billion to buy 15 KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers. The refueling boom on the Pegasus can pump 1,200 gallons of fuel per minute into another aircraft.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
KC-46A Pegasus —  
The Pentagon wants $3.1 billion to buy 15 KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers. The refueling boom on the Pegasus can pump 1,200 gallons of fuel per minute into another aircraft.
PHOTO: John D. Parker/Boeing
Eleven C-130J aircraft, of various configurations, are included in the Air Force
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
C-130J —  
Eleven C-130J aircraft, of various configurations, are included in the Air Force's 2017 budget request.
PHOTO: U.S. Air Force/Chrissy Cuttita
The Pentagon won
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
A-10 Thunderbolt —  
The Pentagon won't be buying any new A-10 Thunderbolt attack jets, but the budget request includes money that would delay the aircraft's retirement until 2022.
PHOTO: Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/USAF
The Pentagon is asking for $1 billion to buy 36 Black Hawk helicopters.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
Black Hawk helicopter —  
The Pentagon is asking for $1 billion to buy 36 Black Hawk helicopters.
PHOTO: Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy L. Wood/US Navy
The request includes $1.1 billion for 52 Apache attack helicopters.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
Apache helicopter —  
The request includes $1.1 billion for 52 Apache attack helicopters.
PHOTO: Nathan Vanschaik/US Department of Defense
The request includes $735 million for 2,020 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles for the Army and Marines. The JLTVs are intended to replace Humvees.
Photos: Big-ticket buys in the Pentagon's budget request
Joint Light Tactical Vehicles —  
The request includes $735 million for 2,020 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles for the Army and Marines. The JLTVs are intended to replace Humvees.
PHOTO: Oshkosh Defense

So… what will the Air Force call this new bomber? Leaders of the bomber program will consider suggestions from the men and women of the Air Force, James said, and the name will be announced at an Air Force conference scheduled for the fall.

Until now, the B-21 has been referred to as the Long Range Strike Bomber because it will be designed to launch from the United States and strike any target around the globe.

When Northrop Grumman won the contract to build the B-21 last year, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said it will allow the United States to “project power across the globe now and into the future.” He called it a “strategic investment for the next 50 years.”

The Air Force image came a few weeks after Northrop Grumman debuted a TV ad during the NFL Super Bowl, which briefly showed animation of what was described as a “stealth bomber.” Unlike the frontal perspective shown in the Air Force image, the ad shows a view behind the aircraft as it takes off, its twin engines propelling it into the sky.

Long term, the idea is for these planes to replace Air Force B-52 bombers, which have been flying for more than half a century – and eventually the B-1 bombers, when they retire sometime in the 2040s.

Related story: Pentagon awards Long range stealth bomber contract

Engineering and development costs are estimated at $21.4 billion (in 2010 dollars) over the entire life of the program.

Officials have been tight-lipped as to the specific capability expectations for the LRS-B, but indications are that it will be stealthy, able to carry conventional and nuclear weapons, and could possibly operate with or without a pilot.

The Air Force said it plans to start testing the plane sometime in the mid-2020s.

CNN’s Barbara Starr and Zachary Cohen contributed to this report.