Parade Ground Aircraft
A7 A10 B17 B24 B25 B26 B29 C45 C47 C118 C119 C121
C123 F15 F16 F82 P38 P47 P51 P63 SR71 T6 T28 T34
Other USAF Aircraft
Bombers
B1 B2 B45 B47 B50 B52 B58 F111 - - - -
Cargo, VIP, & Tanker
C5 C17 C21 C24 C46 C97 C130 C133 C140 C141 KC10 KC135
Experimental & Prototype
D558 F107 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X15 XB70 YC14 - -
Fighters
A1 F4 F5 F22 F84 F84F F86 F86D F100 F101 F102 F104
F105 F106 F117 P40 P80 - - - - - - -
Helicopters
CH3E CH21 CH54A H5A HH43 MH60 R4B R6A UH1P UH13 UH19 V22
Reconnaissance
E3 O1G OV2 OV10 RF4 RF101 U2 - - - - -
Trainers
T6A T33 T37 T38 T41 - - - - - - -

B-2 Stealth Bomber 'SPIRIT'

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:

An oustanding photo of a B2 breaking the sound barrier
....

 

Parade Ground Aircraft
A7 A10 B17 B24 B25 B26 B29 C45 C47 C118 C119 C121
C123 F15 F16 F82 P38 P47 P51 P63 SR71 T6 T28 T34
Other USAF Aircraft
Bombers
B1 B2 B45 B47 B50 B52 B58 F111 - - - -
Cargo, VIP, & Tanker
C5 C17 C21 C24 C46 C97 C130 C133 C140 C141 KC10 KC135
Experimental & Prototype
D558 F107 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X15 XB70 YC14 - -
Fighters
A1 F4 F5 F22 F84 F84F F86 F86D F100 F101 F102 F104
F105 F106 F117 P40 P80 - - - - - - -
Helicopters
CH3E CH21 CH54A H5A HH43 MH60 R4B R6A UH1P UH13 UH19 V22
Reconnaissance
E3 O1G OV2 OV10 RF4 RF101 U2 - - - - -
Trainers
T6A T33 T37 T38 T41 - - - - - - -