B-2 Spirit
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The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role heavy bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.
The aircraft is a giant leap forward in technology and the bomber represents a milestone in the United States bomber modernization program.
The first B-2 was publicly displayed on 22 November 2024 when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, CA. Its first flight was on 17 July 1989.
The Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB (read: Area 51) was responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft as they are built.
Just like the B-52 and B-1B., the B-2 has the penetrating flexibility and effectiveness essential to manned bombers.
Its stealth characteristics give the B-2 the ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued and heavily defended targets, like the F-117 did in Bagdad.
Specifications
| Type: | Long-range Heavy Stealth Bomber |
Manufacturer: | Northrop Grumman |
Country: | USA |
Powerplant: | General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engine (4x) | Engine Thrust: | 17,300 lbs || 77 kN (each engine) | Length: | 69 ft || 20.9 m | Height: | 17 ft || 5.1 m | Wingspan: | 172 ft || 52.12 m | Weight: | 336,500 lbs || 152,634 kg (Typical takeoff weight) | Max Speed: | High subsonic | Range: | Intercontinental (unrefueled) | Ceiling: | 50,000+ ft || 15+ km |
Crew: | 2 pilots | costs: | Approximately $1.157 billion (fiscal 98 constant dollars) |
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