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2026-07-11 Science & Technology

USAF Decides Against Flying B-21 Raiders With Just One Pilot

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Posted by Skidmark 2026-07-11 14:51|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [1965 views ] Top

1 It remains unclear whether or not the Air Force might still consider single-pilot B-21 operations down the line. There was at least a stated desire for an optionally piloted mode, or the means to rapidly integrate one, as part of the requirements for the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program that led to the Raider. TWZ highlighted this all the way back in 2017 after we obtained a heavily redacted copy of a Department of Defense Inspector General report titled “Audit of the Acquisition of the Long Range Strike Bomber,” via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). That report was dated September 8, 2015, the same year Northrop Grumman was chosen as the winner of the LRS-B competition.

When reports first emerged that the Air Force was considering single-pilot B-21 operations in November 2025, TWZ pointed out that there were strong signs that a high level of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) infused autonomy had already been baked into the design.

While those capabilities might someday open doors to pilot-optional or uncrewed modes for the B-21, they could also be very beneficial for human pilots flying the bombers now. For years now, the U.S. military has been heavily investing publicly in ‘virtual co-pilot’ type technologies to increase safety margins and reduce workload for aircrew on fixed-wing planes and helicopters. This is on top of any work being done in the classified realm.

Posted by Skidmark 2026-07-11 15:02|| 2026-07-11 15:02|| Front Page Top

2 ^^ Super A.I. Autopilot.

Posted by Bobby 2026-07-11 15:13|| 2026-07-11 15:13|| Front Page Top

3 Now, ten years after the start of the program hype, the AI is still fucked, the dream of a drone swarm hub/controller is a nightmare and on his way out the door the PM says 'throw in another pilot. That'll fix it."

Posted by Skidmark 2026-07-11 15:19|| 2026-07-11 15:19|| Front Page Top

4 The amount of flight time, information overload, pilot fatigue and such that comes at one pilot, even with AI help is still to much for long endurance flights.

A second human butt in the seat halves the problem.

Posted by DarthVader 2026-07-11 17:01|| 2026-07-11 17:01|| Front Page Top

5 "We are, however, accepting H1-B visa applications for second pilots"

Posted by Frank G 2026-07-11 20:49|| 2026-07-11 20:49|| Front Page Top

22:23 Frank G
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