Bombs… Away?
By 
The Air Force is giving strong consideration to relaxing the two pilot standard for the B-21 Raider:
The emphasis on a WSO in the second seat suggests that the Air Force wants to lean into a model where the Raider is more than just a bomber; it is a multi-mission penetration platform. Relieving the WSO of piloting duties would allow him or her to focus on the management of sensors, communications with other platforms, and especially accompanying drones.
The B-21 is less a bomber than the lead element of a system-of-systems intended to analyze and crack open a well-defended anti-access network.
To the extent that a WSO helps with that mission more than a second pilot, shifting the responsibilities of the second seat makes sense.
For those into bomber talk, I also ruminate about AI, the nuclear deterrent mission, and under what circumstances an unmanned bomber might be acceptable or even desireable.
Other links:
- Russian Shaheds are being used on the front lines.
- A-10 finding one last gasp at life as a drone killer…
- On Russia’s relations with Slovakia…
- Richard Overy’s Rain of Ruin reviewed.