B-21 Raider Beddown Facilities Program

Project Owner: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Omaha District

Location: Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD

Country: United States of America

Industry: Military Installations, National Security & Defense,

Advancing Mission Readiness for the Next Generation of Airpower

Merrick partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers to deliver a coordinated suite of mission‑critical facilities supporting the initial beddown of the B‑21 Raider at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The program brought together three purpose‑built facilities—the Flight Training Device (FTD), Formal Training Unit (FTU), and Simulator (SIM) facilities—designed to work as one integrated system supporting training, mission planning, maintenance, and operational readiness.

• Flight Training Device (FTD) Facility: Designed to support early B‑21 operations and training, the FTD facility integrates classrooms, computer labs, briefing spaces, and secure operational areas. Merrick’s design carefully separates public and controlled spaces, while maintaining operational efficiency.

• Formal Training Unit (FTU) Facility: The FTU facility anchors aircraft maintenance and mission training, housing aviation squadron operations, training spaces, briefing rooms, and support functions within a two‑story, secure environment. Merrick designed the facility for performance, sustainability, and adaptability.

• Simulator (SIM) Facility: The SIM facility expands and adapts existing infrastructure to support advanced B‑21 flight simulation and mission rehearsal. Purpose‑built secure zones accommodate flight training devices, control and server rooms, team briefing spaces, and operational support areas critical to mission preparedness.

Delivered under tight schedules and evolving mission requirements, the program required seamless coordination across disciplines, stakeholders, and security environments. Working alongside Blair Remy Architects, who provided architecture and interior design services, Merrick delivered full‑service design and construction phase support. This collaborative effort resulted in flexible, future‑ready facilities capable of accommodating advanced training technologies, layered security classifications, and long‑term mission evolution. The result is a strategically aligned campus of facilities that strengthens readiness, supports personnel, and enables the Air Force’s next generation bomber capabilities from day one.

Project Highlights:

Delivered three interconnected facilities as part of a single, integrated B‑21 beddown program.
Designed environments supporting flight training, simulation, mission planning, maintenance training, and administrative operations.
Responded to fast‑track schedules and evolving program needs through early design phases, charrettes, and phased delivery.
Led value engineering and constructability efforts to reduce costs while preserving mission intent and long‑term flexibility.
Supported delivery through construction phase services, maintaining continuity from design through execution.

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