Is the B-2 still stealthy?

The B-2 Spirit can deliver both conventional and nuclear munitions. 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.

Has the B-2 been used in combat?

Though designed originally as primarily a nuclear bomber, the B-2 was first used in combat dropping conventional, non-nuclear ordnance in the Kosovo War in 1999. It later served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

Is the B-2 supersonic?

Power is provided by four turbofan engines. In order to reduce infrared emissions and extend combat radius, there are no afterburners providing supersonic capability. The B-2 is the most expensive aircraft in the world, with a price of more than $1 billion per plane. The original plan was to produce 132 of the bombers.

How long can the B-2 fly?

69′
Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit/Length

How long can a B-2 fly?

What is a B-2 Spirit bomber?

The B-2 Spirit is one of three strategic heavy bombers in Air Force service. Originally conceived to infiltrate the Soviet air-defense network and attack targets with nuclear weapons, over the decades its mission has grown to include conventional precision attacks.

How long will the B-2 Spirit last?

Conventional or nuclear, the B-2 Spirit can handle almost any precision attack mission in any environment imaginable, located at practically any point on Earth. The new B-21 Raider bomber, set to enter service in the mid-2020s, appears very similar to the B-2. Meanwhile, the current B-2 fleet will likely fly for another twenty years or more.

Where is the B-2 bomber now?

A B-2 Spirit soars after a refueling mission over the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, May 30, 2006. The B-2, from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is part of a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

What kind of weapons can a B2 bomber carry?

The bomber can deploy both conventional and thermonuclear weapons, such as up to eighty 500-pound class (230 kg) Mk 82 JDAM GPS -guided bombs, or sixteen 2,400-pound (1,100 kg) B83 nuclear bombs. The B-2 is the only acknowledged aircraft that can carry large air-to-surface standoff weapons in a stealth configuration.