Airpower Spotlight: The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

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.

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.

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A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit "Stealth" bomber, 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., flies over the Pacific Ocean after a recent aerial refueling mission, May 2, 2005. The Bombers are deployed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a rotation that has provided the U.S. Pacific Command a continous bomber presence in the Asian Pacific region since February 2004, enhancing regional security and the U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)

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.

More on the B-2 Spirit from Aviation Spectator.

B-2 Spirit photo gallery:

A stealth B-2 Spirit comes in for a landing at Le Bourget Airport during a flight demonstration at the 41st Paris Air Show. The Spirit is attached to the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Montana.

A close up view of a US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber from 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO being refueled by the boom and refueling arm of a KC-10 Extender aircraft. The image was taken from the Boom Operator's position.

Canada's Aerial Demonstration Team the Snowbirds perform, banking right in full formation, smoke trailing high above a B-2 Spirit Bomber at Nellis AFB during the United States Air Force's 50th Anniversary and Air show.

A T-38 Talon flying chase on a B-2 Spirit bomber during a sunset training sortie near the base. The B-2 and T-38 are assigned to Air Combat Command, 8th Air Force's 509th Bomb Wing.

The B-2 "Spirit of California" flies over head during the "Spirit of Kansas" naming ceremony.

In the late afternoon sunlight a B-2 Spirit, stealth bomber, from the 509th Bomb Wing stands ready in its hangar. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority.

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber of the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing, retracts its landing gear during a take-off for an exercise sortie. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority.

Close up of the exterior cockpit area of a B-2 Spirit, stealth bomber, from the 509th Bomb Wing. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority.

Close-up of the cockpit of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber of the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing. Crew members are silhouetted as they prepare for the next mission. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority.

An air-to-air long shot of a US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber aircraft during a training exercise. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

An air-to-air medium shot of a US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber aircraft during a training exercise. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

A close-up of the exterior of the cockpit area of a B-2 Spirit, stealth bomber, from the 509th Bomb Wing, inside the hangar. Inside the cockpit pilots can be seen climbing into their seats prior to engine start. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority.

A B-2 Spirit Bomber aircraft approaches the boom and refueling probe of a US Air Force KC-10A Extender Aircraft from McGuire AFB, New Jersey during a training exercise. Only the rear section of the KC-10 aircraft is visible in the picture.

The US Air Force B-2 Spirit performs for the crowd at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, during Air Fete 2000. The B-2's appearance at Air Fete 2000 is its only scheduled European Air Show for the year. Air Fete is Europe's largest military sponsored air show.

A B-2 Spirit Bomber aircraft on approach to aerial refueling from a US Air Force KC-10A Extender Aircraft from McGuire AFB, New Jersey during a training exercise.

A US Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit stealth bomber sits under a full-moon while on the Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam (GU), tarmac.

US Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit bomber, "The Spirit of Ohio," sits on the ramp at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada (NV).

The US Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit, Spirit of Kitty Hawk, Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Missouri (MO), arrives at Andersen AFB, Guam, for Operation CORONET DRAGON 49. The forward deployment exercise features the Spirit and provides training for the pilots and crewmembers of Whiteman AFB.

US Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit bomber, Spirit of Alaska, 509th Bomb Wing (BW), Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB, Missouri (MO), sits, engines running, on the ramp at prior to a combat mission in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

A US Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing (BW), taxis out on a mission and is the first-ever deployed to this forward operating location in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

A close-up of the KC-135R Stratotanker from the 128th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) (Wisconsin Air National Guard) boom as it engages and refuels a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber on a training mission.

A B-2 Spirit bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Missouri, takes off from Eielson AFB, Alaska, on a mission in support of exercise Northern Edge 2002.

A KC-10A Extender from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey refuels a B-2 Spirit during the filming of MTV's ÔRoad Rules 10.Õ The refueling was part of the cast's final mission of the Road Rules season. The "Roadies" carried a crest to McGuire AFB at the crack of dawn for a 5-hour mission. During the mission the cast observed the refueling of a B-2 Spirit bomber, only to find that the captain of the bomber had instructions for them, that they must deliver the crest to General Williams on return to the base.

A US Air Force (USAF) Crew Chief guards his B-2 Spirit stealth bomber under the light of a full-moon while on the Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam (GU), tarmac.

A B-2 Spirit attached to the 509th Bomb Wing, out of Whiteman Air Force Base, MO moves into refueling position behind a KC-135 out of the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, WI for a low visibility training exercise enhanced by night vision technology on September 9, 2008. The B-2 air refueling was a joint low visibility training exercise for both the 128th ARW and the 509th BW. (U.S. Air Force photo taken by Staff Sergeant Jeremy M. Wilson)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft, assigned with the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Mo., approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned with the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., during a refueling operation over the state of Kansas July 15, 2008. The refueling mission was part of a civic outreach demonstration for local leaders to help educate them on Air Force missions outside of Scott Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Farnsworth/Released)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft, assigned with the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Mo., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, out of Scott Air Force Base, Ill., during a refueling operation over the state of Kansas, July 15, 2008. The refueling operation was part of a civic outreach demonstration for local leaders to help educate them on Air Force missions outside of Scott Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Wesley Farnsworth/Released)

A B-2 Spirit aircraft approaches the boom of a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft from the 319th Air Refueling Wing out of Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., during a refueling mission over the Midwest Feb. 4, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chad M. Kellum)

U.S. Air Force Senior Maser Sgt. Keith Wagner, a KC-135 aircraft boom operator from the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. delivers fuel over the Philippine Sea Jan. 25, 2008, during a routine refueling mission for the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman AFB, Mo. The KC-135's ability to refuel planes mid-air helps accomplish the Air Force's primary missions of global reach and global power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Vanessa Valentine)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., flies during career day at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., on May 5, 2007. DoD photo by Kenn Brown, U.S. Air Force.

Photo collection courtesy Aviation Spectator.