B-2
Spirit
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Lasky
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 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."
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 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
success 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
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. Another major contractor, responsible for aircrew training
devices (weapon system trainer and mission trainer) is Hughes
Training Inc. (HTI) - Link Division, formerly known as CAE -
Link Flight Simulation Corp. Northrop Grumman and its major
subcontractor HTI, are responsible for developing and
integrating all aircrew and maintenance training programs.
General
Characteristics
Primary
function: Multi-role heavy bomber
Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman Corp.
Contractor Team: Boeing Military Airplanes Co., General
Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Hughes Training Inc., Link
Division
Power Plant: Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines
Thrust: 17,300 pounds each engine
Length: 69 feet (20.9 meters)
Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters)
Wingspan: 172 feet (52.12 meters)
Speed: High subsonic
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,152 meters)
Takeoff Weight (Typical): 336,500 pounds (152,635
kilograms)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Armament: Conventional or nuclear weapons
Payload: 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms)
Crew: Two pilots
Unit cost: Approximately $1.157 billion (fiscal 98
constant dollars)
Date Deployed: December 1993
Inventory: Active force: 21 (1 test); ANG: 0; Reserve: 0 |
