B-2 Spirit
B-2 Photo Gallery
Mission
The B-2 Spirit is a
multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.
A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone
in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to
bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable
defenses.
Features
Along with the B-52
and B-1B, the B-2 provides the penetrating flexibility and effectiveness
inherent in manned bombers. Its low-observable, or "stealth,"
characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most
sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended,
targets. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective
retaliation provide a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the
21st century.
The revolutionary
blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and
large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its low-observability
provides it greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing its
range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors. Its unrefueled
range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9,600 kilometers).
The B-2's low
observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic,
electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult
for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2.
Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified; however, the
B-2's composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing design all
contribute to its "stealthiness."
The B-2 has a crew
of two pilots, a pilot in the left seat and mission commander in the right,
compared to the B-1B's crew of four and the B-52's crew of five.
Background
The first B-2 was
publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air
Force Plant 42, Palmdale, Calif. Its first flight was July 17, 1989. The B-2
Combined Test Force, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base,
Calif., is responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and
development aircraft as they are produced.
Whiteman AFB, Mo.,
is the B-2's only operational base. The first aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was
delivered Dec. 17, 1993. Depot maintenance responsibility for the B-2 is
performed by Air Force contractor support and is managed at the Oklahoma City
Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla.
The prime
contractor, responsible for overall system design and integration, is Northrop
Grumman Integrated Systems Sector. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar
Systems Group, General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Vought Aircraft
Industries, Inc., are key members of the aircraft contractor team. Another major
contractor, responsible for aircrew training devices (weapon system trainer and
mission trainer) is Hughes Training Inc. (HTI) - Link Division, formerly known
as CAE - Link Flight Simulation Corp. Northrop Grumman and its major
subcontractor HTI, are responsible for developing and integrating all aircrew
and maintenance training programs.
General
Characteristics
Primary
function: Multi-role heavy bomber.
Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman Corp.
Contractor Team: Boeing Military Airplanes Co., General Electric Aircraft
Engine Group and Hughes Training Inc., Link Division
Power Plant: Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines
Thrust: 17,300 pounds each engine
Length: 69 feet (20.9 meters)
Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters)
Wingspan: 172 feet (52.12 meters)
Speed: High subsonic
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,152 meters)
Takeoff Weight (Typical): 336,500 pounds (152,635 kilograms)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Armament: Conventional or nuclear weapons
Payload: 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms)
Crew: Two pilots
Unit cost: Approximately $1.3 billion
Date Deployed: December 1993
Inventory: Active force: 21 (1 test); ANG: 0; Reserve: 0
Source: AF.mil