# @thevigilantheroes on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DOhY1jUASJ5
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66793523-thevigilantheroes-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1af73ff110.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-13T00:06:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Vigilant Heroes (@thevigilantheroes) — https://gondola.cc/thevigilantheroes

## Caption

As the U.S. marked the somber 9/11 anniversary, the U.S. Air Force announced a major step in the ongoing nuclear and bomber modernization with the arrival of a second B-21 Raider test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, California—the first “sixth-generation” stealth bomber. The milestone, announced on Sept. 11, is huge progress towards the aircraft’s operational readiness.
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With two Raiders now flying, testing will expand beyond basic flight performance to advanced mission systems and weapons integration trials (and hopefully lots of videos coming soon!). These tests are meant to validate the B-21’s ability to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads as the B-21 will be replacing B-1 and B-2 aircraft in the Air Force inventory. 
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“The arrival of the second B-21 Raider brings substantial momentum to our test campaign,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “We can now accelerate evaluations that directly support strategic deterrence and combat effectiveness.”
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Beyond test flights, maintainers at Edwards AFB are working on the logistics, tools and processes that will filter out to future operational squadrons. Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, is slated to receive the first operational B-21s...construction projects at Ellsworth (and two other bases) should accelerate into next year. 
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Note: cover video the first B-21 delivered—no official video of the 2nd aircraft yet, but some local spotters have en route vids posted—all still images are of 2nd bomber arrival. We’ll keep you updated: thevigilantheroes
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#miltech #tech #instaaviation #avgeek #futurewar #b21 #raider #airforce #edwards #test #testpilot #bomber #california #military

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,566
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## Tags

california, bomber, testpilot, avgeek, instaaviation, test, tech, miltech, military, edwards, futurewar, b21, raider, airforce

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