Deep Intel on the B-21 Raider

Mooch is joined by Pako Benitez, former F-15E WSO and editor of "The Merge" newsletter, to discuss the recent U.S. Air Force rollout of the B-21 Raider.
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[@RCAvhstape]

When the last B-21 is retired, the crew will fly home on a B-52. And when the last B-52 is retired, the crew will fly home on a chartered DC-3.

[@mioszmajkowski6504]

When the b 52 is retired the crew would be dead

[@JerryWasARaceCarDriver]

They will travel by horse & buggy because EMP from last B-21 will destroy all electronics.

[@777jones]

Fairly early in the next war, the only planes than can fly will be all analog and steam gauge.

[@lefty59th18]

At the end of this episode I felt I had 60 years of air force school compressed into my brain under 40 minutes. Can't be done better.

[@TheMergeMedia]

Thanks! That's what I was going for: Edutainment.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

@@TheMergeMedia "AIR FORCE! We're the smart ones. Send the Offices Out To Fight." Tsgt Roosevelt Williams (C Flight Security Osan 1968) :-)

[@t.j.mccarthy3517]

Looks like a B-2

[@t.j.mccarthy3517]

@Nick Well it doesn't look like a F 22 or a F 16 now does it???

[@kalui96]

You can tell how deep they understand these topics with how they can say so much with the smallest word count. Pako especially, with this episode

[@Terence.1]

One of the great honors in my life was to befriend Col Dick Cole in the later years of his life. As you may know, he was Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle's co pilot on the Tokyo Raid; Doolittle happened to be his boyhood hero, and thru a twist of fate Col Cole ended up as his co pilot on the first B25 off the deck of the Hornet. He did a book signing at my business when he was 101 years old and then I bought him lunch. People were lined up out the door to meet him. He was extremely humble and self effacing. Quite a man. He was the last surviving Raider out of the group of 80. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 103. May he rest in Peace. Long live the Doolittle Raiders!

[@512bb]

Isn't it great when you get to know truly historic people of substance like that. The Raiders were truly brave men that loved our country & what can you say about bravery beyond belief. My best friend was killed at the battle of Mogadishu, 3-Oct-1993, Mst Sgt Gary Gordon. I have no doubt of God & they are all at pease in heaven with him, at least we were blessed to know people of such true character.

[@Terence.1]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Gary. I'm sure he was quite a young man.

[@512bb]

@@Terence.1 Ah yes, no truer words spoken... He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that day, thank you.

[@Tacticaldave1]

In late 2012, I was working on Capitol Hill and attended a brief by USAF General Phillip Breedlove. He said the mother of the last B-52 pilot had yet to be born.

[@orlock20]

The B-52 has a new role as a cruise missile carrier. One B-52 can carry 21 cruise missiles. 58 of them can launch a total of 1,218 cruise missiles. So it's more A-52 than B-52.

[@W1ldTangent]

At this point it's a sad fact that many of the BUFFs flying now have outlived a large number of their past crew-members and maintainers. You have third and soon enough fourth generations now taking to the air and turning wrenches with them though, which is incredible.

[@Tacticaldave1]

@@orlock20 Either way, it's the 18-wheeler of death in the sky.

[@nkotowsk]

I worked on the B-52 in the late 90s. The remaining 1960-61 tail number H models were pretty much the oldest aircraft in the USAF fleet even back then, I was born well after them (1974), I’m in good health, and I would rate my chances of outliving them 50/50 at best.

[@Tacticaldave1]

@@nkotowsk Yep, the BUFF will remain the 18 wheeler of death in the sky for a long time.

[@withershin]

The B2 is still the coolest plane I've ever seen. Toronto Airshow circa like 1990-something. They say over the loudspeakers "Now we're going to get a fly-by of the new B-2 bomber". This black line appears in the sky from the west. Then the silent triangle comes into view and flies over the CNE. We heard it only after it passed us. So cool.

[@Contrajoe]

I wonder what Boeing's 1940s-50s engineers would think of the B-2 and B-1 being retired but the B-52 gets to stay on until the end of time

[@orlock20]

The B-52 is being converted to a very large attack aircraft. The B-52 can carry 21 cruise missiles and I believe it's new role will be hunting enemy fleets. The idea is that a B-52 is much faster than a submarine and because if the altitude find the enemy fleet quicker due to bypassing the curvature of the Earth. 58 bombers means 1,218 missiles can be dumped on an enemy fleet. Nobody has a SAM that can go 1,000 miles so the B-52 will be safe from counter fire.

[@29lives96]

I think half of them would say, 'of course it's still around, that's what we intended!' The other half would be deeply touched. All would be proud as hell.

[@LRRPFco52]

They would immediately suspect treason, and be right.

[@nelsoj11]

And I’m sure it won’t be long before they look at it as a carrier for parasite drones.

[@mitseraffej5812]

I have a friend whose father was an engineering professor at MIT. During breaks between semesters his father worked for Boeing and my friend attended the rollout of the B52.

[@thedolenorway]

It is always such a pleasure to listen to someone with a deep understanding about a subject who also possess the ability to simplify and communicate clearly and to the point! Almost any subject will be interesting if presented in the right way, and already interesting subjects like this one will be riveting! Thanks for this!

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Your spot on comment is as concise as this might fine video. Well written.

[@thedolenorway]

@@DeathValleyDazed Thank you, I truly appreciate it! Best wishes to you and your loved ones!

[@JackFright]

My grandfather headed the model shop for the B-2. He'd be so pleased to see the B-21 roll out.

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

It’s heartwarming to hear an acquisition program of the scale that’s on schedule and on budget. BZ to the entire B21 team for going with COTS solutions. Outstanding presentation as well.

[@mrackerm5879]

Actually, the USAF had closed the airspace above the B-2 rollout in 1988. The problem was that they closed it for the duration of the ceremony. Immediately after the ceremony, the airspace restriction expired and it was only then that the Cessna rented by Aviation Week flew over and took the pictures.

[@wyskass861]

Probably thinking, Oh wow they forgot to put it away

[@GonzoDonzo]

Im curious how they deal with drones these days. Its really easy to send one up and if u dont care about retrieving it, really hard to track. Someone could have easily just zipped into the hangar itself with one and while it would definitely be seen and heard, it wouldnt be easy to stop and the video feed can be remote captured. I hope they have some sort of jamming system

[@wyskass861]

@@GonzoDonzo That is an interesting question as it relates to classified locations. Palmdale plant 42 is right in town and there are even residences starting at 1.5 miles from relevant hangars, so it would technically not be difficult. But there are regulations over airports and location where, first it would be illegal, so risky if traced back. Second, they could just jam control signals in the area to prevent casual operators. Outside of Palmdale though, security borders at Edwards are beyond control range of commercial drones, and of course places such as Area 51 are even deeper behind security perimeters. As to a determined national adversary and capable spies, I have also wondered how they keep the Palmdale area secure when it's right off public roads. The sight lines are obviously blocked, but a drone can dart in and out.

[@GonzoDonzo]

@@wyskass861 you ever see the little bungalows that were just on the other side of groom lake? A family owned that property and were legally allowed to stay there and bring guests. From the design they were definitely renting them out for people to observe what was going on at the base. I think they finally shut it down a decade or so ago.

[@sabre051]

@@wyskass861 Unfortunately the nature of this threat is far more complicated than "beyond control range of commercial drones". A guy recently dumped a bunch of photos on a forum that he claims he took of Area 51. He detailed exactly how he did it by using a drone pre-programmed with GPS way points. This airspace intrusion was not detected and no one knew about it until the guy blabbed about it online. We do not currently have a great way to detect and stop these threats, even from motivated citizens.

[@tayzonday]

Always informative! Thank you! ✊

[@mosqa7802]

Didn't expect you to be here

[@thebubbclub]

fuckin legend staying sharp on defense

[@Noisy_Cricket]

Awesome to see you here!

[@BlyGuy]

Thank you for bringing much happiness and joy to so many lives with Chocolate Rain Tay!

[@RDKSP33DY]

I see your comments on so many videos I'd never expect. I don't hate it 😂

[@PBAR_B1B]

Pako's The Merge newsletter is an EXCELLENT newsletter! Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in military aviation.

[@Wyomingchief]

I didn't see any Link in the description. Do you know what it is?

[@gregpremo6898]

@@Wyomingchief i don't see it either

[@w7nw]

Great episode. As a retired system development type I loved it. I worked engine programs for B1B, F15,16 and KC135 reingine. Left the Air Force in 1988. Then into private company making parts for Boeing, Pratt and Air Bus.

[@pondfilth5387]

I've long figured Pratt were the type to do their own manufacturing? Interesting.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

F-117 story ... A couple of years after the F-117 became public, there was an air show at Charleson (SC) Air Force Base, and part of the billing was that an F-117 would be there. (I was in the SF Reserve at the time, working avionics on C-141's; and my "day job" was working for the Navy on electronic test & measurement equipment.) Anyway, My wife and I walked the flightline to see all the aircraft on display; then we turned around & walked back. About halfway back we passed a large empty space on the ramp. Just after we passed that walking back, my wife asked why we hadn't seen the stealth fighter. I turned around and pointed at the empty space, an said "What do you mean? We have just walked past it twice!" About a half hour later the F-117 did appear, doing a fly-over at about 1000 feet, just under the overcast.

[@wakes_inc]

You have the best dad jokes.

[@JoshuaC923]

😂😂😂 great story

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Now THAT'S stealth.

[@julesguedry2466]

Loll

[@willl7780]

A+ dad joke 🤣🤣🤣

[@scottcooper4391]

Pako seems like a great guy - He would be a welcome multi- episode guest, almost like Justin Bronk

[@teddy.d174]

Fantastic video, Ward and Pako…thanks for giving the Raider some love. Excellent analysis as always…🍻

[@UmustBk1dd1ng]

I had a ton of questions about this new airplane, and Mooch and Pako answered all of them. The channel is really evolving into a great resource for us military aviation enthusiasts (otherwise known as old men who, in hindsight, should have gone into the field). I’ll be signing up for Pako’s newsletter. Thanks.

[@onebridge7231]

The B1 is one of my favorite planes, bummer to see it retired as it looks slick flying in the air with wings back.

[@projectsdonepoorly1383]

The biggest win was keeping the news out of development of the aircraft

[@thedude4795]

That comments gonna get a lot of likes

[@usafchief8985]

I spent 28 years in AF aircraft maintenance, retired for 28 now. So glad I found Ward Carroll. Brings back so many memories and insight to America's future military aviation. Keep up the great work.

[@et9120]

The Chinese share your fortune, they love Ward Carroll!

[@cmintsurfer]

KC 46? Outstanding!! I can't wait for Pako to fill in the gaps on that one!! Thanks, Ward.

[@rickwilliamson9248]

I remember the YB-49 dropping a nuke (to no effect) in the original version of "The War of The World." Impressive technology even then.

[@michaelharper4989]

I got to meet Jack Northrup back in the day at NASA. He told the story of the cancelation of the wing due to Jack refusing to merge with another airframe mfg. He said that he tried to make a deal but the others wanted more than Jack would give. Another memory is of driving by the Hawthorne airport and seeing a line of parked prop version of the wing. I think I was in the 5th or 6th grade. Another NASA memory is folks in my branch saying the aero programs they supported, Panair and Tranair were useful for stealth development. Another memory is watching the jet version making a flyby at a Travis AB airshow.

[@DrewNorthup]

I'm still not sure why they thought the British forced consolidation model would work…

[@michaelharper4989]

@@DrewNorthup I think it was just trying to reduce the DOD budget.

[@DrewNorthup]

@@michaelharper4989 I agree, but the method they chose is the reason why the UK doesn't design or manufacture military aircraft anymore. That's what I was making note of.

[@glenn9229]

the great trick with technical or complex podcasts is finding the guy(s) that a) know stuff, and b) can explain it in 10 mins. In a military aviation context....theres also got to be a dose of cred as well, just to add to the mix. Mooch great choice, Paco is a wizz (see what I did there), knowledgeable and great information sharing skills. I hope he's a regular on your channel. I've certainly subscribed to his. As an Aussie, I noted the deployment of B2s to RAAF Base Amberly in July this year where they ran a series of exercises with our Defence Forces as well as staging for regular missions. I wonder whether we might see them parked in Queensland with mixed crews under a different funding model in the future, instead of laid up in Arizona. Offset the cost, add neighborly capacity, and keep the aircraft role. It might be an attractive option for both countries As an ex-Aussie Brown Shoe, I also love your windcheater choice for the session....Bravo, never give them a break :)

[@512bb]

When you brought up the 117, that was a blast from the past. Talk about a dark program, I was working with CC's & security out at Nellis AFB at the time which was a spectacular base if you love planes. As it turned out my best friend was refusing them at the time & wanted to tell me but not a peep. At the same time there was a squadron of A7's which I thought was very strange. When I would ask some of the pilots that I knew, what's with these, they just told me photography work as I recall but as it turned out, they were the chase planes for the 117's stationed up-range at Tonapaph. When they announced the plane to the public, we opened the base to the public in 89 , I was working security & overheard two F4 pilots looking at it saying "And they call our F4's ugly", I laughed pretty good. The one thing that was so hard to believe was if you weren't involved with the program, you knew absolutely nothing, talk about keeping a secret.

[@rp1645]

Scott did not have a model out on a stand. The sun casts a shadow on it. So the Russian satellite got a great picture of this secret program. My father-in-Law was a flight Engineer

[@rzr2ffe325]

I remember reading the A-7s were for currency but also a cover.

[@512bb]

@@rzr2ffe325 I can't comment on the currency story but being Nellis was such an active base with so much going on there all the time, the cover story was quite believable. Obviously there is always talk about secret programs but you know how people like to think they know something you don't. None the less it was a real surprise when it was finally announced.

[@phx4closureman]

18:12 *amazing that they took all those different items and put them into the F-117 and made them work*

[@johanmetreus1268]

Not really. What they did was saying "we need this function" and then look around "what is there that can get the job done?". In essence, that is what the COTS-proponents envision to be the ideal case scenario.

[@entrusted2387]

Thanks for setting this up and sharing info

[@ibbylancaster8981]

I love the “Mooch Scoop”!

[@poncho6784]

Great stuff! Love what you’re doing with the channel Mooch. Thanks Packo for the awesome interview and informed insights. Whiteman AFB is just down the road from me and we love seeing the B2s fly over. Hope that continues with the B 21.

[@blakena4907]

Ah, I've been dying for a cohesive and non-bullshite video on the B-21. Thanks!

[@tonbopro]

Thank you so much for hosting this session 👍

[@alandaters8547]

Another great video. This really pulled together so much information about bomber design, purpose, development and funding. What a complex process at work! Thank you for bringing on Pako!

[@YTRocketMan]

This excellent content keeps me watching your channel Ward. Pako was a very interesting guest who sliced through the history like a hot knife through butter. Kudos on another great interview!

[@Big.Ron1]

I was in Aviation pretty much my whole working career starting in the Navy in '77 and still learn alot when I am fortunate enough to see this and others like this. On a side note, The books Mooch wrote are well worth the time and money, I enjoyed them. And finally, just last week I finally saw with my own eyes the B2. 2 of them took off from Luke and as I am close and under the pattern they went over my house at maybe 1000 AGL. Very cool. I have seen the B52 up close and personal at Barksdale, the B1 at Offutt, the B2 at my house, and now maybe before its too late they'll fly a B21 into Luke. Maybe I'll get lucky. Thank you. Take care and be safe.

[@patrickshanley4466]

Another outstanding discussion!!!

[@patgiblinsongs5]

Excellent interview, Ward! Pako has tons of expertise, love to see him back on the channel! My brain is full, I have to lay down now.

[@eodninja6]

I worked on B2 for 10 years as the avionics and flight controls test engineer. I was excited to see the B21.

[@hallio111]

ok so what do you think of the ufo-tech re engineering thing? real or not? lol because this thing looks pretty close to something straight out of independence day.. still not quite there ..

[@ImperiumLibertas]

@Phillip Banes exactly what they want you to think 👽👽👽

[@PadraigTomas]

The Australians used to operate F-111, which was a bomber. For the Australians a credible long range strike force keeps all their friends friendly.

[@karmpuscookie]

F111 was a conventional strike aircraft, not a bomber.

[@mikeet69]

I believe the FB-111 was an F-111 adapted as a MEDIUM range bomber. Both could have been more clear with terms. Paco mentioned long range INTERCONTINENTAL bombers including the B-36 which did start with “only” 6 propellers then added 4 jet engines (Thus the phrase 6 turning and 4 burning). Like the B-47, B-52, B-58, B-1, and B-2 they were all capable of carrying nuclear bombs. The B-36 was huge, but could only carry 2 nuclear bombs. Over time nuclear bombs got smaller and lighter thus planes like F-15s FB-111s could also carry nuclear weapons. I would find it very interesting if Australia ever owned B-21s and if so would they carry nukes? Time will tell I guess.

[@karmpuscookie]

@@mikeet69 The FB-111 was not operated by the RAAF. Also, despite the bomber designation, it was essentially an F111 assigned to carry up to six SRAM Missiles, thus really a dedicated nuclear role for a strike aircraft (a bit like the Mirage 2000N I guess.)

[@karmpuscookie]

@@mikeet69 Good points btw

[@smithnwesson990]

I think the US should have an F111 type medium bomber again.

[@johnwilson9303]

Great interview Ward. Amazing amount of interesting info! Thank you!

[@xekul]

by far the best analysis of the B-21 ive seen. every other vid and news website article just say the same thing like they are reading from the official press release. thanks to you both for bringing this info to the rest of us.

[@dougrobinson8602]

There was a great flyby of a B-52, B-1B on afterburner, and B-2. Very cool. That would explain the TFR.

[@Av-vd3wk]

Just a small correction: 7:10 Tacit Blue, not Tactic Blue. ~ Also, for inquiring minds, the Have Blue, (Lockheed's proof of concept demonstrator for a stealth bomber/prototype of which would become the F-117) as far as stealth, came first, but wasn’t mentioned.

[@brucebuckeye]

Tacit Blue is now at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patt.

[@Av-vd3wk]

@@brucebuckeye Tacit ;)

[@brucebuckeye]

@@Av-vd3wk oops. That's what I meant :) I'll edit

[@chrislaska5728]

We’re talking bombers so Have Blue is probably not relevant

[@Av-vd3wk]

@@chrislaska5728 huh?

[@ddemier]

This was a super informative interview. Your guest was very knowledgable and hope he comes back to give more information.

[@24865943]

Awesome talk . Thankyou sir

[@formallyknownasj.a.2074]

Planes of fame in Chino CA had a Northrop N9MB that flew every year at their airshow till it sadly crashed a few years ago. It was definitely a cool site to see as it flew.

[@scuddrunner1]

I remember.

[@jonathanstein1783]

@@scuddrunner1 so do I. So sad.

[@mikefisher2673]

Would go there and see it being worked on.

[@mrackerm5879]

It was the Advanced Technology Bomber (ATB) - what the B-2 program was called before the B-2 designation had been selected or announced.

[@1337flite]

Australia had a long range strike/bomber until the US retired F111 - we couldn't practically keep the type alive by ourselves, We still don't have a replacemenrt for that capability. Hope we see a few Raiders at RAAF Base Tindall in the next decade or so. It would make a lot of sense for us to regain that capability with this platform as it is likely to be in US service for probably as long as the F111 or even the B52, which will make it a long term investment for us. Of course our issue will be cost as we now aspire to SSNs as well - time for big business to start paying more taxes. Iron ore etc have no value if you don't have open sea lanes.

[@RCAvhstape]

As an American I'd like to see our Commonwealth and NATO allies rebuild their own aerospace industries, so you don't have these kinds of critical dependencies. If the US shuts down Hornet parts, for example, Canada is in the lurch. And while I'm more than happy to see Lockheed Martin keep selling brand new C-130s (still in production since the 1950s!) to all you guys out there, I think we'd all be stronger if you also had some indigenous aircraft designs to go along with the Hercules. Worldwide the aerospace industry in general just seems so fragile, with Boeing and Airbus being the only game in town for big passenger transports, and each of those two companies always seems to be one or two bad decisions away from leaving the field.

[@dwwolf4636]

F15 with conformal fuel tanks is the only thing that comes close.

[@paulbowler2760]

@@RCAvhstape Up to the late '70's Australia used to have the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF). Their last locally designed and built aircraft was the N 22 Nomad, designed for both military and civilian ops. It was not very good at either and was withdrawn from all service after only a few years. It gained the sobriquet "Gomad"!

[@DeathValleyDazed]

@@RCAvhstape Appreciate how your comment zooms out to view the big picture.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@RCAvhstape UK, Canada, and Australia all make substantial amounts of parts and systems for F-35s. 50 companies in Australia are involved with global F-35 production. Canada has a ton of companies in the JSF production enterprise as well. UK makes 15% of every F-35, the ejection seats for every F-35, and the lift fans for every F-35B. The US, Canada, UK, Australia JSF industrial bloc is pretty huge.

[@daveross935]

Thanks much Mooch and you also Pako, that's the absolute best military discussion I have ever heard.

[@hiratiomasterson4009]

As an Australian, it would be amazing if Oz could acquire a squadron of B-21s. But even if Oz doesn't do it for some time it is very likely the US will - at the minimum - rotate in some B-21s. Would be great to see the planes in Oz and the experience in operating in Australia's fairly harsh conditions.

[@markoreilly3414]

Agreed, but at Aud $1+ Billion ea , it'll never happen. But at least we'd get them before 2050, unlike the CGI Subs we're told about !

[@tlevans62]

I think you'll find that Oz may indeed get a Squadron of these and have a joint facility in Australia to support both USAF & RAAF aircraft. The only difference will be the nuclear ordinance delivery equipment will be removed from the RAAF versions, but logistics and training will be integrated. The cost of these vs the strike capability these provide prior to the SSNs becoming available is why Oz is seeking these since they'll likely be available prior to 2030. Also, since the B-21 likely shares a lot of commonality with the F-35, Australia already has a regional support facility that could be expanded to support the B-21.

[@markoreilly3414]

@@tlevans62 100% I hope it happens. Might explain the recent announcement about US/Darwin expansions - hangers, workshops, accommodations etc. I still don't see the point of the Subs without Nuke Weapon capability, is like having a Attack Dog without Teeth. Im Not a Nuke advocate , but at least the B21's can if ever needed , be modified to carry them. The Subs would need to be built around the missile system. IMHO

[@hiratiomasterson4009]

​@@tlevans62 I think Oz will adopt a "wait and see" with the initial US experience with the B-21, though have to admit its almost supernatural to see a 6th generation platform come in on time and on budget. But I suppose ultimately the decision as to timelines will depend a lot on the behaviour of our friends up North...

[@mikeet69]

I don’t know the odds or if Pacos are statement about selling B-21s down under is speculation or really under consideration. I say that because things like the 3 primary US bases for B-1s & B-2s are likely going to be the home of the B-21s. I agree they will at least rotate deployments overseas like other Global Strike Command bombers and Australia does seem to be a likely place to forward base the B-21. Especially since it is smaller than the B-2 and likely does not have the same environmental requirements as the B-2.

[@maxcorder2211]

As a former B-52 pilot, I’d love to fly any one of these planes, but the B-21 seems really sweet. That is, if I couldn’t get a fighter assignment.

[@davidfriedline7525]

Mission granted ! Fly boy ! Lpl

[@evrydayamerican]

This is freaking awesome. Thanks Mooch

[@gooner72]

I'm absolutely gutted that the Bone is going to be retired, she's an absolutely phenomenal aircraft and the only proper large bomber I've ever seen do a barrel roll and fly upside down. She's absolutely stunning to look at and her 4 afterburner F101 GE 102's sound phenomenal when taking off.... She will be sadly missed 😢

[@edselreynoso3438]

I totally agree with you! I still can't believe it took one of my Lt. Col's an entire week to kill a BONE at Maple Flag in his F-16! She was such a beast and I will mourn her early retirement and look upon Boeing with disdain. Read my comments up top.

[@mikeet69]

Thanks for the video guys. As a former USAF member who trained with all branches of the military I am glad Ward got a USAF guy to talk about a USAF plane and USAF mission. No disrespect but as Ward proved the US Navy and USAF are very different including terminology for everything including for aviation. Yes they do share some things in common, but missions and operations are different. For instance while I love reading about submarines and aircraft carriers I would not be any kind of expert on either based on personal experience. Thanks again and would love a video on the KC-46 or even any video on refueling an F-14 or other US Navy plane by a USAF tanker.

[@ydejin]

Thanks for all your work! I really appreciate all your videos.

[@willardmiller7512]

Very interesting. Really enjoyed. Thanks.

[@2011Rick]

F-18 HUD was slightly modified for the F-117. Left and Right CRT displays were right out of the F-18 at that time. Display development and procurement was for a "Logistics" Trainer.

[@BChopko32]

Great video and insight. Subscribed to the merge, thanks Pako.

[@icare7151]

Very well done. Thank you gentlemen. 🇺🇸👍

[@lukeamato2348]

I get the feeling this is going to be a very good plane

[@RagingCloud]

Minor correction: the propeller driven version of the original full size Northrop flying wing was the XB-35, not YB-35. Love this channel. Thanks for posting all this great content.

[@mikeet69]

The difference between the XB-35 and YB-35 was the engines and propellers. One had 2 counter rotating propellers for each engine (original XB-35 I think) while the other had different engines with single propellers. I believe the counter rotating propeller and engine combination had vibration issues.

[@Sajuuk]

Fascinating and informative conversation.

[@Monty-Remick]

Thanks Mooch, this was AWESOME!!! 🇺🇸💯💯💯

[@georgegreen442]

As with other videos, a birdseye view is provided for military aviation issues that allows laymen to grasp sophisticated concepts because the alphabet soup of military jargon/language is taken off the table. Mooch is an excellent Shipra into this previously far more cloistered world.

[@Rampant_Colt]

The Raider reveal reminded me of a 1950s GM automobile reveal

[@richardvanleest3778]

Super interesting episode! Very nice break down and analysis of this new bomber. Fantastic footage by Pako

[@stanbrow]

Excelent information. Thank you.

[@ramal5708]

Imagine the demonstration flight takes place over Moscow or Peking to show how she's undetectable. Biggest flex and promotion

[@davidshoyt1979]

It’s likely it has already overflown a major American city multiple times and never been detected once

[@brucecrossan2284]

The B-21 equipped with the F-35's radar and AIM-260's (or better) would make a great counter-air platform, either in it's own right or as an arsenal ship working with F-35s / NGADs. Equipped with LRASMs or Quicksink JDAMs it would also make a great anti-ship platform. Build 180 - 240 of them for the Air Force and 30 or 40 for the Navy.

[@fjalics]

Fundamentally, a B-21 can go a lot further on a tank of gas than a F35, and carry more stuff. That can be really convenient over the Pacific.

[@LRRPFco52]

B-2A and B-1B are already equipped with multiple AESAs and EW sensor suites integrated with other sensors. It makes more sense to avoid threat air and deceive them with EW, while sending VLO cruise missiles to their home bases and divert airfields, munitions stocks, and Radar installations.

[@TheDe1deonly]

Thank you! Excellent vid!

[@user-pe1ns8bd6j]

Awesome interview, Mooch!

[@galactyx1]

Top quality contributors once again. Thanks for steering the conversation around such interesting topics

[@forumboss2620]

$700 million per plane. Yet it can be detected with early style ultra long wavelength radar, as well as look-down satellite scanning. Whether it will ever be used effectively in combat is questionable… but it may have some deterrent role, and it’s a big money maker for defense contractors.

[@Walterwaltraud]

Iran, North Korea and similar states might disagree with you.

[@rzr2ffe325]

It’s safe to assume NOC considered hostile radar frequency bands, real and emerging threats when they designed it lol…if anything is good at true broadband stealth, it’s likely a flying wing

[@alterrex4463]

Great discussion!

[@josww2]

Awesome interview, thanks!

[@spacecatboy2962]

this new one has a new and improved cup holder and a hot tub

[@gregorymaupin6388]

The first flight of the B-52 was April 15, 1952 This new bomber is going to be interesting to watch and see how it progresses.

[@dougrobinson8602]

Perhaps just as interesting will be keeping an eye out for a possible B-52 replacement. Most likely, the biggest improvement on the Raider will be avionics. The four main wheel gear is an interesting touch. Park that puppy on asphalt in the summer and you will be extricating it with air bags.

[@gregorymaupin6388]

@@dougrobinson8602 the replacement for the B52 will have to be something special but I will probably be long gone by then.

[@davidreider9373]

Great episode !!!!!!

[@philippedefechereux8740]

Really interesting clarification of what this very beautiful new bomber has come about. I'll be fascinated to hear more details whenever they become available.

[@dorbie]

The over-wing engine cowlings are a lot more conformal to the wing, that seems to be a pretty significant difference with an obvious potential impact on radar cross section.

[@dougrobinson8602]

The other impact will be airflow at high angles of attack. It won't be easy to control air entering the engine from such a narrow inlet.

[@koc988]

@@dougrobinson8602 I mean we're all armchair engineers here, but I'm sure they've run the design a few 10,000 times in Ansys and done a few thousand collective all nighters, and have decided it'll be just fine.

[@orderlyhippo1569]

@@dougrobinson8602 that doesn’t seem like it would happen unless it were going for a crash landing. Also, they might have allowed some wiggle room for AoA but really…it’s a flying wing…I bet it will get barely any AoA at all unless it’s carrying a LOT of weight

[@DrewNorthup]

@@orderlyhippo1569 AoA is where you get most of your lift, even with a lifting body. If you don't have around 3° you don't fly (subsonic). Sure, they're not going to want to pull 15° AoA, but that doesn't really address his concern.

[@orderlyhippo1569]

@@DrewNorthup I guess my point is that the plane isn’t built to pull g’s and have any serious AoA since it’s a stealth bomber meant for long range cruising. High AoA & long range don’t go together. To be honest, the inlet’s teardrop shape looks like it was formed through computer simulation more than anything, which didn’t exist when building the older bombers. They can figure the exact shape to maximize air intake and those volume’s at different AoA’s and airspeeds. Fluid dynamics are what make planes so neat imo

[@Azframer]

Pretty interesting viewpoints and concepts of how the B-21 might be built. The 4th generation of aircraft was built and rolled out to the public. The desires of the military had been implemented and the aircraft company rolled it out as an A model the 2-seater version rolled out as the B model. The C model is developed over time when a new wish list is formed for that particular airframe. Then that follows with a 2-seat version of the C model which will be the D model Except for all the F-14s were 2-seaters. The R&D on the F-22 was insanely long, longer wish lists were made for the production. Different Blocks of aircraft were built. Each blocks had their own wish lists. The F-35 program should be considered 3 different airframes. All 3 airframes barely share much on parts. The flight software aren't the same, their flight envelopes are different. The landing gear are different. The wing area is different. Each airframe had its own set of teething pains attributed to one aircraft.

[@diraziz396]

Fascinating. Thank you

[@kenhelmers2603]

Thanks guys!

[@kflashcarr888]

Also I love how it looks like a reversed engineer'd UFO.

[@RockDocNeal]

It’s a very cool looking aircraft and I’m sure it I’ll fit the niche it’s intended for, but the thought that we may end up purchasing up to 150 of them seems insane to me. I’m all for maintaining a military that can provide adequate defense of America and it’s allies, but the fact that our defense budget ($740+ Billion) is greater than the next 10 countries combined, with a stated goal of maintaining the ability to fight 3 separate wars at the same time, makes me become more pessimistic every year. It also makes me more of a believer in the statement from Eisenhower’s parting speech in 1961…”In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist."

[@Walterwaltraud]

IF that one type is very durable and easy to maintain for a very long time it probably is worth it. With the won Cold War programmes like the F-22 got downsized too much. The graft ist mostly about dispatching too much gov spent in too many states to save programmes. Starting the war in Iraq 2003 was an absolute folly. But whether 2, 3 or 6 percent of GDP to be spent on national defence pretty much depends on the strategic goals of the US and the current threat situation. Producing more small arms is easy, as is ammo. Navy ships and strategic stealth bombers take a long time and commitment, but you reap the rewards of this programme by guys like Saddam Hussein or North Korea's Kim dynasty to think very long and hard about making something stupid. 21 B-2s was not enough, but they probably kept the real rogue states to proxy wars and state sponsored terrorism instead of raiding convenient neighbours. (and the next ten allies are much smaller. UK, France and Germany combined are not even close to 2/3rds of the US power and finance. Japan only self defends. Just my 2 cents from abroad).

[@themoonman-4]

Great job Ward, loved Pako, learned a lot

[@williammrdeza9445]

The first job my dad had out of engineering school working for Boeing in Seattle was to work on one of the systems of the B-52 that needed modification. He would have loved the shout out to that venerable platform! Thanks again for a very informative episode, Ward.

[@SteveJ2824]

Some of the articles I have seen in the past few years have said that one of the design concepts was more about less long term cost $$$ of maintenance and servicing throughout it's life span, & the anti-radar coating is supposed to be less expensive to maintain /repair

[@LRRPFco52]

F-35As with all their RAM and stealth are far easier to maintain than even F-16s. The F-35B with extra lift fan and STOVL system doors and flow paths is easier to maintain than an F-16. F-117A was very difficult to maintain due to the IR and RF signature reduction systems. The IR exhaust fan in particular had ablative plates from the Shuttle that were extremely mx-intensive.

[@AdamosDad]

I saw the YB-49 fly over Cincinnati OH. when I was a little kid, it seemed otherworldly or sci-fi and was totally awesome to a kid like me The B-21 Raider looks like it will get a lot of lift from the body giving it more endurance and the wings seem to have that familiar look (curved) of the F-22 from the front. I wonder if it could be supersonic, but most likely high subsonic.

[@Ryan_Christopher]

The design is inherently subsonic. Only the swing-wing B-1 could go supersonic, with afterburners. Supersonic speeds are no longer the asset they were when it comes to bombers, hence the development of the B-2 then, and the B-21 now.

[@AdamosDad]

@@Ryan_Christopher I agree but I hoped with changes in surface modeling and engines that they could go just at supersonic, short super cruse like the F-35. Really it was a passing thought/hope.

[@Whitpusmc]

@@Ryan_Christopher Why? The faster you go the less exposed you are to a given threat? Serious question please.

[@Ryan_Christopher]

@@Whitpusmc Friction Heat increases your infrared signature. What’s the use of reflecting radar away from you if you’re just going to give your hot position away against a cold sky or warm ground? IADS includes IR sensors too you know. If they know your heat signature they can spam your location with more heat seeker ordnance than you have decoys for. Plus RAM coatings don’t take well to hinged moving surfaces, which is what you need for supersonic bombers.

[@Ryan_Christopher]

@@AdamosDad We have long-range stealth glide bombs and stealth cruise missiles now. We don’t need a fast bomber anymore when the ordnance can fly themselves to their targets. F-35 needs to sprint from time-to-time because it’s supposed to have a Tactical CAS Mission. Troops-in-contact need fast movers to deliver ordnance within five minutes of the call. Raider is more strategic than tactical, though will be capable of both.

[@fakeshemp9599]

Good job om the episode and your guest seemed like a good guy who knew what he was talking about. Informative 🤟😎👍

[@jimbob1427]

Just found this channel, amazing content !!

[@JackRABBITslim27]

While I disagree you could have an NGAD type F-14 without going to a new frame. Never the less, love your videos and where lucky to have give us all this info. Love the guest.

[@Tonius126]

F14 was more expensive than the f22 and higher in operation cost. Overrated fighter.

[@liaisonguy]

Enjoyable video as always, Mooch. One correction though. The B-21 is an acknowledged classified program, probably Special Access Required. But a "black" program refers to programs that are unacknowledged. That is, the government will neither confirm nor deny a black program, or comment on it in anyway. Therefore, B-21 is not black now, although it originated as a black program up until the government had to acknowledge the massive $ contract. A program this expensive can't be hidden in the black budget.

[@rzr2ffe325]

It’s also about deterrence. For example, having nukes in your arsenal is of little value if the enemy doesn’t know to fear them

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Ward, thanks for your great channel! 👍🏼 And I do love the Tomcat and have a vested love for the F/A-18 as a tech manual writer for it and F-15 but that segmented picture of the F-15 is beautiful behind Pako!

[@take5th]

Seems from that angle that the nacelles are further buried below the wing upper surface, less prominent, flatter looking aft, likely more circular from above. I thought the program was “tacit’ blue.

[@slate4687]

It was

[@daveboatman4024]

Hi Mooch, what’s the link for Pako’s Merge?

[@WardCarroll]

www.themerge.co

[@davidbohner2061]

Fantastic information 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✅✅✅✅✅

[@paulbowler2760]

At least 15 - probably 20 - years ago I drove from Pierre SD to Rapid City, SD. I stopped at Wall, of course, to visit the Drug Store, and then drove to the entrance of Ellsworth AFB. I was very impressed with the aircraft and missiles/rockets parked in front of the Museum - but I was even more impressed by a B1-B flying touch-and-go circuits right next door!

[@Sturgeonmeister]

Would've love to see the B1-B converted into an Air to Air Missile launch platform.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

Too high of maintenance cost and reliability. 🙄

[@urielmanzone1772]

B-1R would've been so cool

[@Walterwaltraud]

@@frankbodenschatz173 Well, if they take out all enem AWACS on day 1-3 of a peer to peer war, they are worth it. With the right few dozen missiles you don't even need a lot of airframes. Just like the MiG-31 with R37 right now in Ukraine, but with S400 multiplier killer range. With different engine inlets, they might have even continued heavily modified as a supersonic AWACS, but what do I know...

[@frankbodenschatz173]

@@Walterwaltraud Walt, great point and with their RCS that much smaller than the B-52K (for Killer after the mods) it could gets much closer ahead of the BUFFS and even use them as a bomb missle truck as well and take out various defensive/offensive systems and sites before the Raiders, F-22, 35 , 15E, 18E,F,G's, and European types Ingress for the real strike package while being covered by the Bone and the Buffs as the follow at a distance or trek off to open an egress path.

[@markg813]

@@urielmanzone1772 The Boner

[@nicholasspeeks5380]

You may be “the rough men on the wall” but the sophistication, intelligence and ability to articulate complex issues of members of the US armed forces is impressive and one reason I subscribe to the channel. By the way, it isn’t said enough but thank you for serving and providing the shield under which I, as an Englishman, have enjoyed my life.

[@jonathanbutson1385]

me too

[@rustyshaklford9557]

Imagine if that shield didn't exist, you'd have some kind of wog PM by now...

[@davidmarkmann6098]

Super informative. Signed-uo for The Merge. Thanks guys.