
A manufacturing process change that will allow Northrop Grumman [NOC] to reduce risk, increase production rates, and set the foundation for expanded production numbers of the B-21 stealth bomber beyond current plans helped lead to a $397 million after-tax loss on the Air Force program in the first quarter, the company said on Tuesday. The manufacturing change relates to the first five low-rate initial production (LRIP) options for the bomber, including a $226 million pre-tax reserve on the first two…