Northrop Grumman’s Program Strategy Driving B-21 Raider Forward in Flight Test, Production
Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider program is progressing well, with a robust flight test campaign and scaling into production. The program's strategy focuses on producibility and digital technology adoption to deliver an effective, affordable system adaptable to future threats. Key highlights include:
1. Flight test data aligning with digital model predictions
2. Multiple test flights conducted within a week
3. Better-than-expected handling qualities reported by test pilots
4. Successful completion of static testing, validating structural design
5. Implementation of advanced manufacturing and digital tooling in production
The program's digital ecosystem enables rapid data analysis between test flights, supporting efficient progress. Northrop Grumman is also utilizing augmented reality tools and advanced robotics to enhance manufacturing efficiency and accuracy.
Il programma B-21 Raider della Northrop Grumman sta procedendo bene, con una robusta campagna di test di volo e l'approccio alla produzione scalabile. La strategia del programma si concentra su produzione e adozione della tecnologia digitale per fornire un sistema efficace e conveniente, adattabile a minacce future. I punti salienti includono:
1. Dati dei test di volo allineati con le previsioni del modello digitale
2. Molteplici voli di test condotti in una settimana
3. Qualità di manovra migliori del previsto segnalate dai piloti collaudatori
4. Completamento con successo dei test statici, validando il design strutturale
5. Implementazione di tecniche di produzione avanzate e strumenti digitali nella produzione
L'ecosistema digitale del programma consente un'analisi rapida dei dati tra i voli di test, supportando un progresso efficiente. Northrop Grumman sta anche utilizzando strumenti di realtà aumentata e robotica avanzata per migliorare l'efficienza e la precisione della produzione.
El programa B-21 Raider de Northrop Grumman está avanzando bien, con una sólida campaña de pruebas de vuelo y una producción escalable. La estrategia del programa se centra en la producibilidad y la adopción de tecnología digital para ofrecer un sistema efectivo y asequible, adaptable a futuras amenazas. Los aspectos más destacados incluyen:
1. Datos de pruebas de vuelo alineados con las predicciones del modelo digital
2. Múltiples vuelos de prueba realizados en una semana
3. Cualidades de manejo mejores de lo esperado informadas por los pilotos de prueba
4. Compleción exitosa de pruebas estáticas, validando el diseño estructural
5. Implementación de manufactura avanzada y herramientas digitales en la producción
El ecosistema digital del programa permite un análisis rápido de datos entre vuelos de prueba, apoyando un progreso eficiente. Northrop Grumman también está utilizando herramientas de realidad aumentada y robótica avanzada para mejorar la eficiencia y precisión en la manufactura.
노스롭 그루먼의 B-21 레이더 프로그램은 견고한 비행 테스트 캠페인과 함께 잘 진행되고 있으며, 생산으로 확장되고 있습니다. 프로그램 전략은 생산 용이성과 디지털 기술 채택에 중점을 두어 미래의 위협에 적응할 수 있는 효과적이며 저렴한 시스템을 제공하는 것입니다. 주요 하이라이트는 다음과 같습니다:
1. 디지털 모델 예측과 일치하는 비행 테스트 데이터
2. 일주일 내에 수행된 여러 차례의 테스트 비행
3. 시험 비행사들이 보고한 예상보다 나은 조작 성능
4. 구조적 설계를 검증하는 정적 테스트의 성공적인 완료
5. 생산에서의 첨단 제조 및 디지털 도구 구현
프로그램의 디지털 생태계는 비행 테스트 간의 신속한 데이터 분석을 가능하게 하여 효율적인 진행을 지원합니다. 노스롭 그루먼은 또한 증강 현실 도구와 첨단 로봇 기술을 활용하여 제조 효율성과 정확성을 향상시키고 있습니다.
Le programme B-21 Raider de Northrop Grumman avance bien, avec une solide campagne d'essais en vol et une montée en production. La stratégie du programme se concentre sur la producibilité et l'adoption de technologies numériques pour fournir un système efficace et abordable, adaptable aux menaces futures. Les points clés incluent :
1. Données des essais en vol s'alignant sur les prévisions du modèle numérique
2. Plusieurs vols d'essai réalisés en une semaine
3. Qualités de maniabilité meilleures que prévu signalées par les pilotes d'essai
4. Achèvement réussi des tests statiques, validant la conception structurelle
5. Mise en œuvre de techniques de fabrication avancées et d'outils numériques dans la production
L'écosystème numérique du programme permet une analyse rapide des données entre les vols d'essai, soutenant ainsi un progrès efficace. Northrop Grumman utilise également des outils de réalité augmentée et de la robotique avancée pour améliorer l'efficacité et la précision de la fabrication.
Das B-21 Raider-Programm von Northrop Grumman schreitet gut voran, mit einer robusten Flugtestkampagne und dem Übergang zur Produktion. Die Strategie des Programms konzentriert sich auf Produktionsfähigkeit und digitale Technologiedurchdringung, um ein wirksames und erschwingliches System zu liefern, das an zukünftige Bedrohungen anpassbar ist. Die wichtigsten Höhepunkte sind:
1. Flugtestdaten stimmen mit den Vorhersagen des digitalen Modells überein
2. Mehrere Testflüge innerhalb einer Woche durchgeführt
3. Von Testpiloten berichtete bessere Handlingeigenschaften als erwartet
4. Erfolgreicher Abschluss von statischen Tests zur Validierung des strukturellen Designs
5. Implementierung fortschrittlicher Fertigung und digitaler Werkzeuge in die Produktion
Das digitale Ökosystem des Programms ermöglicht eine schnelle Datenanalyse zwischen den Testflügen und unterstützt so effizienten Fortschritt. Northrop Grumman nutzt auch Augmented-Reality-Tools und fortschrittliche Robotik, um die Effizienz und Genauigkeit der Fertigung zu steigern.
- Flight test data aligns with digital model predictions, validating the accuracy of Northrop Grumman's digital ecosystem
- Multiple test flights conducted within a week, demonstrating efficient progress
- Test pilots report better-than-expected handling qualities
- Successful completion of static testing, validating the B-21's structural design
- Implementation of advanced manufacturing and digital tooling to improve production efficiency
- None.
Insights
The B-21 Raider program's progress is impressive, particularly in its alignment of digital models with real-world performance. This validation of digital twin technology in such a complex system is a significant achievement. The ability to conduct multiple test flights within a week demonstrates exceptional efficiency in the test phase, which could accelerate the program's timeline.
The successful completion of static testing and the commencement of fatigue testing are critical milestones. These tests validate the structural integrity of the aircraft, which is paramount for a long-range bomber. The integration of augmented reality and advanced robotics in manufacturing is innovative for the aerospace industry, potentially leading to
Northrop Grumman's approach to the B-21 Raider program represents a paradigm shift in defense procurement. By building the first test aircraft like the production model, they're potentially reducing the time and cost typically associated with transitioning from prototype to full production. This strategy, combined with their digital ecosystem, could set a new standard for future defense programs.
The emphasis on producibility and adaptability is important for the long-term viability of the B-21. As geopolitical tensions evolve, the ability to rapidly integrate new technologies will be vital for maintaining strategic deterrence. However, the true test will be in the cost-effectiveness and operational capabilities of the final product, which remain to be seen as the program progresses.
While specific financial figures are not provided, the B-21 Raider program's progress suggests positive implications for Northrop Grumman's future revenue streams. The efficient testing phase and transition to production could lead to earlier contract fulfillment and potentially additional orders. The company's investment in digital technologies and advanced manufacturing processes may result in improved profit margins over time.
Investors should note that large defense programs like the B-21 often face scrutiny over costs and delays. However, Northrop Grumman's innovative approach appears to be mitigating some of these risks. The program's success could strengthen the company's position in competing for future defense contracts, potentially enhancing long-term shareholder value. Monitoring the program's progress and any future contract modifications will be key for assessing its financial impact.
PALMDALE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider program is making great progress as the team executes a robust flight test campaign and scales into production. In collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, Northrop Grumman’s program management approach on B-21 centers around producibility and adoption of digital technology to ultimately deliver an effective, affordable system to the warfighter that is adaptable to future threats.
As the B-21 Raider flight test program progresses, performance data continues to align with digital model predictions. Northrop Grumman’s digital ecosystem is enabling the team to analyze data between test flights with speed and efficiency, evidenced by the Combined Test Force’s (CTF’s) demonstrated ability to perform multiple test flights in the span of a week. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Verifying Through Test
Edwards Air Force Base, renowned as the “Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe,” is home to the Combined Test Force (CTF), made up of Northrop Grumman and Air Force personnel responsible for evaluating capability ranging from flight sciences and hardware functionality to mission systems, software integration and beyond. Early feedback from test pilots confirms the first test vehicle is performing well in flight and flying like the simulators used for training.
“Overall, I am pleased to see the performance of our test jet. The handling qualities are better than expected coming out of the simulated environment – validating the accuracy of the digital models the team has developed and analyzed over many years,” said Chris “Hoss” Moss, B-21 Raider test pilot, Northrop Grumman. Flight testing continues to expand the operational envelope, and model predictions are matching flight test data, demonstrating the value and efficacy Northrop Grumman’s digital ecosystem is delivering on B-21.
“Flight test is an exciting time, and we’re making great progress on B-21,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “The CTF team has demonstrated we can execute multiple flight test events within the span of a week. Northrop Grumman’s digital ecosystem is enabling that progress, allowing us to analyze test data, make updates and return to flight test with speed and efficiency.”
Ground test performance is another essential piece of aircraft development. Northrop Grumman successfully verified the B-21 structural design with the completion of static testing, thus validating original models and signifying a solid structural design. Northrop Grumman has also begun fatigue testing on another ground test article to simulate a lifetime of flight conditions on the aircraft structure.
“The progress we’ve made on B-21 in the last 12 months is remarkable. The consistent alignment of our digital models both on the ground and in flight gives us additional confidence as we look ahead to delivering on B-21,” Jones said.
Scaling Into Production
Another key strategy behind delivering the B-21 Raider was to build the first test aircraft like the production aircraft. Transitioning away from a standard industry practice of taking a demonstration-like vehicle to flight test, the B-21 workforce is already familiar with production tooling and materials and has come forward with innovative ways to establish repeatable processes for an optimal build.
The B-21 team has embraced the deployment of advanced manufacturing and digital tooling across the factory. “We are expanding the use of augmented reality tools and advanced robotics to drive efficiency and accuracy with repeatable, precision processes,” Jones said. “Northrop Grumman is finding innovative ways to introduce advanced technologies in a restricted manufacturing environment today, while paving the way for sustainment processes at the depot and flight line of the future over the B-21 program life cycle.” For example, Northrop Grumman manufacturing technicians utilize augmented reality headsets to support installation of subsystem components and robotic tools for specialized aircraft coatings in the factory.
Preparing for Tomorrow, Today
The driving force underpinning Northrop Grumman’s approach on B-21 is delivering the nation’s next gen airborne strategic deterrent to meet the threat. These strategies are yielding desired results as Northrop Grumman executes the test campaign and scales into production. The digital ecosystem supporting flight test progress today will enable the future technology and capability insertion that will keep B-21 ahead of future threats for years to come.
Contact: Christine Denton
321-272-4907
Christine.Denton@ngc.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b677fad-f38b-4c61-b241-61c11685cc34
FAQ
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