world
U.S. Air Force Sets Two-Pilot Crew Standard for B-21 Raider
The service announced on July 10 that the stealth bomber will operate with two pilots. It had previously studied a single-pilot plus weapon systems officer configuration.
Jul 10, 6:28 PM·1m read1 source
TH
swarajyamag.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The U.S. Air Force has decided that the B-21 Raider will be operated by a crew of two pilots. The formal announcement came on July 10. The service had considered a one-pilot and one weapon systems officer arrangement.
It now plans to transition qualifying weapons systems officers and combat systems officers into B-21 pilots through a dedicated training program. Eligible officers will receive further details through command channels. The pilots will carry the Air Force Specialty Code 11B for bomber pilots.
The B-21 is scheduled to begin fielding in 2027 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The Air Force intends to acquire at least 100 of the bombers and will release a more precise total next year. An operational test pilot flew a pre-production B-21 for the first time in June 2026.
The service increased the planned production rate in February 2026. The B-2 bomber also uses a standard two-pilot crew.
Transparency
How sources framed this
TH
TH
Single source — no framing comparison available.
CorroborationModerate · 1 source
