Americans will get their first view of a nuclear capable stealth bomber at the end of the year.
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says Northrup Grumman will reveal the B-21 Raider the first week of December.
“The B-21 Raider bomber will play a crucial role in the defense of our nation and have a major impact on the Rapid City area for the next 50 years,” said Rounds in a statement.
Ellsworth Airforce Base in Box Elder is the first base to receive the next-generation stealth bomber. The expanded mission for Ellsworth will bring thousands of new workers to the region.
Officials expect the bomber to arrive sometime in the mid-2020s. Northrup Grumman plans to build 100 of the bombers with an estimated cost per plane of $550 million.
The B-21 will gradually replace existing B-1 bombers at Ellsworth, some of which have already been decommissioned.
