Air Force Finally Releases New Images of Stealthy B-21 Future Bomber

New photorealistic renderings of the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber have officially landed.

The Air Force together with the bomber's manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, published three new concepts of the next-generation bomber, showing the stealth aircraft in various hangars at bomber bases across the U.S.

One shows a concept of the B-21 tucked away in a hangar at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, currently a B-1B Lancer base; a second shows the aircraft at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, which currently houses the B-2 Spirit; and a final photo presenting the B-21 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, also a B-1 base.

Last year, the service announced the B-21's first operational base would be at Ellsworth and would also host the bomber's first formal training unit. Whiteman and Dyess are expected to receive B-21 Raiders "as they become available," the service said at the time.

The B-21 is still years away. Officials have said first deliveries should begin in the mid-2020s, but have been careful not to broadcast too many other details in order to protect details about the B-21's technology.

While enthusiasts have compared the squat, sleek profile of the B-21 to the B-2 stealth bomber -- also developed by Northrop -- a specialist for military aviation at the Congressional Research Service was quick to point out one potential difference.

Altering the photo's contrast, "it becomes evident that what looks like the 'beak' is the port leading edge. The nose (as depicted) is not as sharp as B-2," Jeremiah "JJ" Gertler tweeted Friday.

The Air Force plans to buy roughly 100 bombers, but could end up purchasing more depending on the service's needs.

Officials are conveying the program's planned milestones and schedule of events to lawmakers on congressional defense committees, as well as top brass at the Pentagon. In August, Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen "Seve" Wilson said he's counting the days until the bomber's first flight in December 2021.

In 2016, the Air Force announced it would name its next-generation LRS-B the Raider after the service's legendary Doolittle Raiders. The late World War II veteran Richard E. Cole, the last surviving Doolittle Raider, made the announcement that year.

The Air Force awarded Northrop the contract, initially worth $21.4 billion, in 2015. Total costs are expected to exceed $55 billion over the life of the program.

Hyundai Rotem favored to land $9 bil. tank deal with Poland

Via koreatimes

Hyundai Rotem was aiming to strike a $9 billion tank development deal with the Polish government. If the deal actually happens, it would mark the first time for the company to export its integrated defense technology overseas.

Hyundai Rotem is planning to partner with the Polish government to develop and produce 800 K2 Black Panther class tanks. The monetary value of the possible deal was unknown.

There are other prestigious tank developers such as the U.S. M1 Abrams, Russia's T-90 and England's Challenger 2 that could be secured but Poland's fundamental principle is to develop homegrown weaponry which suggests Hyundai Rotem is as a strong contender in the race.

"The official project bidding is expected to be announced in the first half of this year and we definitely will take part in the process. The total project is said to be divided into two stages to produce a total of 800 tanks," a Hyundai Rotem official said.

Hyundai Rotem officials met with Polish officials several times to explain the specifics of the qualifications and functions of the K2 Black Panther. In 2008, the South Korean company won a bid to sell K2 tanks to the Turkish government beating Germany, one of the world's leading tank manufacturers.

Earlier reports were that the Polish government partnered with Hyundai Rotem to produce next generation tanks scheduled to be stationed starting 2023. Poland also inked a deal with Hanwha Defense in 2016 to export 120 K-9 self-propelled howitzers, for which its performance was highly spoken of in the local region.

The K2 Black Panther finished development in 2008 and has been used by the Korean Army as its next generation tank since 2014. The K2s are capable of firing 120mm rounds while cruising at up to 70 kilometers an hour.

Next-generation of combat: U.S. Army modernizing the Bradley

U.S. Army’s long-standing infantry fighting vehicle back on the testing range at YPG

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - On any given day, there could be 60 to 100 military testings at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). Currently, the U.S. Army is going through a very significant modernization process, testing for the next generation of combat.

Seven hours a day, four days a week, and hundreds of miles of paved roads, gravel, and cross country courses. The Army’s long-standing infantry fighting vehicle, the Bradley, is back on the training range at YPG.

Test officers are experimenting with advanced running gear.

YPG's test center is trying out a new suspension system to improve the ride quality when hauling soldiers through combat zones, as well as reducing maintenance time. Mark Schauer said, “The vehicle itself is still on the drawing board. But we’re testing components that may be used in future vehicles.”

Test officer, Jade Janis added, “There's nothing on this system that's the same as something in use already. It's all completely redesigned with newer technology."

The newly implemented suspension system offers a built-in height management system; giving the capability to raise and lower the vehicle from the driver's seat. YPG is involved in the developmental stages of next-generation combat vehicles.

This project could be tested for a least a year before moving to the next phase of approval. To see the Bradley and other combat vehicles up close, YPG invites you to its 2020 Open House event on February 15th.