Photographers captured a series of notable images showing the low-observable strategic bomber B-21 Raider conducting aerial refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a test flight over the Mojave Desert. The photographs were taken during a test mission carried out on March 10, 2026.
During the flight, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider performed an in-flight refueling maneuver with a KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft. The test mission lasted 5 hours and 33 minutes. Several aviation photographers observed the event and were able to capture detailed images of the first Raider prototype flying behind a specially configured tanker operating from Edwards Air Force Base.
Among those who documented the aerial refueling were The Aviationist contributors Jared Hamilton and Ian Recchio. They captured images of the AAR (Air-to-Air Refueling) sequence during the flight over the Mojave Desert. The photographs show not only the familiar F-16 Fighting Falcon chase aircraft commonly used during such tests, but also another unusual aircraft – a business jet modified to serve as a test platform. This aircraft was also involved in the test program.
It was later identified as the aircraft with registration number N879AD, based in the Mojave area. The aircraft attracts particular attention because it is the only example of the Douglas NC-9D, which Raytheon uses as a flying testbed for various aviation systems.
Although the use of long telephoto lenses may slightly distort proportions in the photographs, the images still allow for a rough visual comparison between the aircraft and the tanker. Based on this comparison, the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider may be somewhat larger than previously assumed.
The tanker involved in the mission could also be tracked in real time. It was an aircraft with serial number 61-0320, designated as an Boeing NKC-135 Stratotanker. This designation is used for aircraft equipped with specialized systems intended to support testing activities for other platforms. Data from Flightradar24 indicates that during the refueling operation the aircraft was flying at approximately FL230, or about 23,000 feet.
As previously reported, the United States Air Force, together with Northrop Grumman, is working to accelerate the production and delivery of the new Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. The first aircraft of this type is expected to be delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base as early as next year. The United States Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman have also reached an agreement aimed at expanding production of the new stealth bomber and speeding up its delivery schedule. Earlier statements from Air Force officials indicated that the B-21 could reach full operational capability around 2026 or 2027.
Extensive preparations are already underway at the base to accommodate the new bombers. Several construction projects are being implemented to develop the required infrastructure and expand the runway. As a result of these upgrades, Rockwell B-1B Lancer aircraft previously stationed there have been temporarily relocated to Grand Forks Air Force Base.
The exact number of Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider aircraft currently at various stages of production has not been publicly disclosed. Final assembly of the aircraft takes place at a Northrop Grumman facility in Palmdale. The same plant previously produced the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit.
The second B-21 prototype was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in September 2025.
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Source: theaviationist
