Military construction specialist to build fuel cell hangar for B-21 bombers

The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is expected to enter service in 2027 The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is expected to enter service in 2027 (Image: Northrop Grumman)

US-based military construction and engineering company Conti Federal Services has won a contract to renovate and convert a general maintenance hangar into a fuel systems hangar for B-21 bombers.

The company has won a $31.7 million deal from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the project to support the B-21 Raider at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA.

The existing 26,000 sq ft (2,415 sq m) hangar will be transformed into a fuel systems maintenance dock hangar. Functional areas will consist of a fuel cell bay to fit one aircraft, maintenance storage areas, and service utility rooms, according to Conti Federal.

The project is expected to complete in November 2026.

Conti Federal is already constructing four other facilities in support of the ‘beddown’ of the B-21 strategic bomber, which was officially unveiled in December 2022 at Northrop Gumman’s production facilities in Palmdale, California.

Ellsworth Air Force Base was selected as the first selection for the B-21 due to having the existing facilities and sufficient space. Future locations for the B-21 include Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive the information you need when you need it through our world-leading magazines, newsletters and daily briefings.

Sign up

CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Andy Brown Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786224 E-mail: [email protected]
Neil Gerrard Senior Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 7355 092 771 E-mail: [email protected]
Catrin Jones Deputy Editor, Editorial, UK – Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 791 2298 133 E-mail: [email protected]
Eleanor Shefford Brand Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786 236 E-mail: [email protected]