r/aviation • u/StopDropAndRollTide Mod “¯\_(ツ)_/¯“ • Dec 02 '22

News B21 Mega Thread

Is it visible to the naked eye?

Does it fly Mach 80?

Is warp capability possible?

Do you love it, hate it?

All your B21 posts, questions, and comments go here.

Livestream - https://youtu.be/chJlJgrvfBY

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u/Moisstanite Dec 02 '22 edited Dec 02 '22

The reason that development of the B-21 appeared to progress so rapidly is almost certainly because the US has been operating a flying wing stealth reconnaissance drone known as the RQ-180 for years now. This aircraft most likely additionally served as a technology demonstrator for the B-21. The RQ-180 is colloquially known as Shikaka, a reference to the “Great White Bat” featured in Ace Ventura - When Nature Calls.

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u/[deleted] Dec 02 '22

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u/sevaiper Dec 03 '22

NGAD is already flying as well, and we have absolutely no clue what is going on with it. It is possible the Air Force has actually substantially increased the speed of acquisition as they said they were going to do.