The B-21 Raider is a foundational component for US defense, designed as a long-range, stealth strategic bomber. It is named in honor of the Doolittle Raid of World War II. Initiated in 2011 as the Long Range Strike Bomber program, the first B-21 aircraft was unveiled in December 2022. The inaugural flight took place on November 10, 2023, marking a critical step toward its planned service entry around 2026 or 2027. The B-21 is intended to complement and eventually replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit.
The manufacturer, Northrop Grumman Corporation, is a major American defense and aerospace technology giant. The company’s history traces back to Northrop Aircraft, Inc., founded in 1939. The current entity was formed in 1994 through the merger of Northrop Corporation and Grumman Aerospace, the latter known for building the Apollo Lunar Module. Northrop Grumman has since become a global leader in aerospace and defense, specializing in advanced aircraft like the B-2 Spirit and now the B-21 Raider.
A variety of access solutions are available for servicing this advanced aircraft. These products, including reach deck platforms, modular stepover platforms, and aviation chock and cone trolleys, address maintenance needs across major sections of the aircraft, such as the nose section (radome, cockpit), landing gear (NLG, MLG), wing and engine areas (pylons, engine body), and general access points. Specialized stands and platforms support thorough maintenance for systems throughout the fuselage and wing box.
