Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit
The B-2 Spirit is an American stealth strategic bomber built by Northrop Grumman and capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. Its flying-wing design, composite materials and special coatings combine reduced radar, infrared, acoustic, visual and electromagnetic signatures, allowing it to penetrate sophisticated air defenses and strike heavily defended targets. First publicly rolled out in November 1988, it first flew on July 17, 1989, and the first operational aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, in December 1993.
Flown by a crew of two, the B-2 proved itself in Operation Allied Force over Kosovo in 1999, flying nonstop from Missouri, and later in Afghanistan and Iraq. Only 21 were built, making it one of the most expensive aircraft ever produced. It remains a key element of the U.S. long-range strike force.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Northrop Grumman
- Type
- Stealth strategic heavy bomber
- Crew
- 2
- First Flight
- July 17, 1989
- Powerplant
- 4 x General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans, 17,300 lbf each
- Max Speed
- High subsonic (approx. Mach 0.95)
- Range
- Approx. 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km) unrefueled
- Service Ceiling
- 50,000 ft (15,240 m)
- Length
- 69 ft (21.0 m)
- Wingspan
- 172 ft (52.4 m)
- Loaded Weight
- Max takeoff 336,500 lb (152,635 kg)
- Armament
- Up to 40,000 lb of conventional or nuclear weapons