Home  |  History  |  Gallery  |  The Machinery  |  The Hangar
Home : Gallery : B-2 Spirit
Search : Boolean: Case     Message Board


Image copyright of Boeing Corporation

The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.

Features

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."

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's Military Aircraft Systems Division. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group and General Electric Aircraft Engine Group are key members of the aircraft contractor team.

Specifications

Function

Manufacturer

Mutirole Heavy Bomber

Northrop Grumman Corp.

Length:

Height:

Wing Span:

69 feet (20.9 m)

17 feet (5.1 m)

172 feet (52.12 m)

Gross Weight

Max Speed

152,635 kg (336,500 lb)

High Subsonic

Propulsion: Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines . 17,300 pounds each engine (7,847 kg)
Combat Radius:

Combat Ceiling:

Intercontinental, unrefueled

50,000 feet (15,152 m)

Armament: Nuclear and conventional weapons, including gravity bombs and maritime weapons.
Crew: Two pilots, an aircraft commander in the left seat and mission commander in the right, with provisions for a third crew station



Gallery
Translate to German
Translate to French