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B-2 Spirit |
A B-2 Spirit bomber is followed by two F-117 Nighthawks
during a mission. |
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 provides 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 on the
B-2.
Whiteman AFB, Mo., is the only operational base for the B-2.
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 combat effectiveness of the B-2 was proved in Operation
Allied Force, where it was responsible for destroying 33
percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks, by
flying nonstop to Kosovo from its home base in Missouri and
back. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the B-2 flew
one of its longest missions to date from Whiteman to
Afghanistan and back. The B-2 completed its first-ever combat
deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying 22
sorties from a forward operating location as well as 27
sorties from Whiteman AFB and releasing more than 1.5 million
pounds of munitions. The B-2's proven combat performance led
to declaration of full operational capability in December
2003.
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.
General Characteristics
Primary function: Multi-role heavy bomber
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Corp. and
Contractor Team: Boeing Military Airplanes
Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group, General Electric Aircraft
Engine Group and Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
Power Plant: Four General Electric
F118-GE-100 engines
Thrust: 17,300 pounds each engine
Wingspan: 172 feet (52.12 meters)
Length: 69 feet (20.9 meters)
Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters
Weight: 160,000 pounds (72,575 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 336,500 pounds
(152,634 kilograms)
Fuel Capacity: 167,000 pounds (75750
kilograms)
Payload: 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms)
Speed: High subsonic
Range: Intercontinental
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
Armament: Conventional or nuclear weapons
Crew: Two pilots
Unit cost: Approximately $1.157 billion
(fiscal 98 constant dollars)
Initial operating capability: April 1997
Inventory: Active force: 21 (1 test); ANG: 0;
Reserve: 0
(Source: U.S. Air Force) |
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