Most Advanced Bomber In The World - U.S. Air Force’s B-2 stealth Bomber - Aviation World
Channel: Aviation World
Date: 03/08/2022

The U.S. Air Force’s B-2 stealth bomber is a key component of the nation’s long-range strike arsenal, and one of the most survivable aircraft in the world. Its unique stealth characteristics allow it to penetrate the most sophisticated enemy defenses.

Many people consider the B-2 an engineering marvel and one of the finest examples of American air superiority.

Northrop Grumman is the B-2 prime contractor leading an industry team that works with the Air Force to modernize the B-2. We’re ensuring that it remains fully mission capable against evolving worldwide threats.

A range of upgrade programs are improving the B-2’s lethality: its ability to collect, process and disseminate battlefield information with joint force commanders or other local first responders worldwide, and its ability to receive updated target information during a mission.

1 – An Engineering Marvel
To bring the B-2 to life, Northrop Grumman had to invent all components from scratch. That list included tools, a software laboratory, composite materials, special test equipment, and 3-D modeling and computer systems. Related manufacturing processes were also created.


2 – Why it’s No. #1
When the U.S. must go to war, the B-2 is there on the first night. The B-2 went into enemy territory on Night One in support of Operation Allied Force (Serbia); Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan); Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and twice in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and Operation Odyssey Lightning. The B-2, one of the most survivable aircraft in the world, is the only aircraft to combine long-range, stealth and a heavy payload on a single platform.


3 – Legendary Combat Debut
The B-2 saw its first operational use during Operation Allied Force. Two B-2s flew more than 31 hours from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Kosovo. They attacked multiple targets, then flew directly back. The B-2s flew less than 1 percent of the total missions, yet destroyed 33 percent of the targets during the first eight weeks of conflict.


4 – Beast Mode: Longest Aerial Combat Mission in History
The B-2 holds the record for longest air combat mission in history. In 2001, the Spirit of America and five other B-2s were the first to enter Afghan airspace for a record setting 44-hour mission. The aircraft’s performance is even more impressive in that the B-2 made a quick pit stop for a 45-minute crew and service change with engines still running. It then flew back to Missouri for another 30-hour flight for a total of more than 70 consecutive hours.


5 – Red Carpet Realness
When Hollywood needs a “super bomber” to make a cameo and fight off a giant monster or an alien invasion, the red carpet is rolled out for the B-2. With an unmistakable silhouette and flying wing design, it’s easily one of the most recognized aircraft in the world. It has appeared in movies including “Independence Day,” “Armageddon,” “Iron Man 2,” “Cloverfield,” “Airplanes,” “Rampage” and, most recently, “Captain Marvel.”


6 – The Team Today
Northrop Grumman continues to upgrade and enhance the B-2’s capabilities, and service every B-2 aircraft. From the extensive programmed depot maintenance that ranges from the complete restoration of the jet’s exterior surfaces to software engineering, testing and development. Our employees also lead vehicle engineering, logistics and product support for the aircraft.


7 – Dimensions
The B-2 is 69 feet long, 17 feet high and has a wingspan of 172 feet, half the length of a football field.


8 – High Subsonic
The B-2 can reach a high subsonic speed and can also reach an altitude of more 50,000 feet.


9 – Intercontinental Range
The B-2 can travel 6,000 nautical miles without refueling and 10,000 nautical miles with only one refueling. It can reach any point in the world within hours.


10 – Payload
A B-2 can carry a payload of 20 tons.