Nye fly

 

B-21 Raider will operate with 2-person crew

By 

Gary Warner

Stars and Stripes • July 9, 2026

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The second B-21 Raider bomber takes off from Edwards Air Force Base in California in December 2025. (U.S. Air Force)

The U.S. Air Force’s new B-21 Raider intercontinental stealth strategic bomber will operate with a two-person crew, the Air Force announced Thursday.

“Following careful analysis of the B-21’s advanced capabilities, Air Force leadership determined that a two-pilot configuration optimally supports the aircraft’s mission profile,” the Air Force said. No additional information on the criteria for the decision was released.

It will maintain the two-person crew configuration of the B-2 bomber, which includes a pilot and a mission commander, who handles weapons and countermeasures. The mission commander is also capable of flying the plane.

The Air Force also flies the B-1 Lancer, with a four-person crew, and the B-52H Stratofortress, with a five-person crew.