The U.S. Air Force/Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is a strategic, long-range heavy bomber. Its low-observable technology and all-altitude operational envelope give it the capability to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses. Ten B-2's are in operational service at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. In their first two years of service, operational B-2's have achieved a sortie reliability rate of better than 90 percent.

Three of the six flight-test B-2's continue in the test program at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The first air vehicle, which has completed its low-observable test activity, is in flyable storage awaiting Air Force disposition. The second and sixth air vehicles have begun their refurbishment to join the operational fleet. Between now and completion of the flight test program in 1997, the remaining test aircraft will undergo scheduled operational refurbishment and join the "Spirit" fleet. Under current Air Force plans, the 20th and final B-2 is scheduled to be delivered in early 1998.

The B-2's low observability means that it does not need an armada of support aircraft to accomplish a mission, and its large payload allows it to do the work of many smaller attack aircraft. The Air Force has published a representative mission scenario showing that two B-2's armed with precision weapons can do the job of a package of 75 conventional aircraft. Only four crew members are put at risk in this mission, compared to 132 in the conventional aircraft package.

The B-2 can fly more than 6,000 nautical miles unrefueled and more than 10,000 nautical miles with just one refueling, giving it the ability to fly to any point on the globe within hours. The B-2 can carry up to 20 tons of ordnance and deliver it accurately under any weather conditions. A single B-2 will be able to deliver 16 one-ton precision-guided bombs.

Tests show that with its low observable characteristics, the B-2 is the most survivable aircraft in the world. However, since the B-2 uses the Milstar satellite system to deliver its payload, it would be utterly useless in a war with any superpower since satellites would be one of the first things to go. Northrop Grumman Corporation, the prime contractor, produces the B-2 at facilities in Pico Rivera and Palmdale, California.

B-2 Spirit Specifications

Type: Strategic, long-range heavy bomber with low-observable technology and all-altitude capability to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses in nuclear and conventional missions.

Power Plant: Four General Electric F118-GE-100 engines rated in the 19,000-lb. thrust class (derived from engines used in B-1B, F-14 and F-16)

Length: 69 feet

Height: 17 feet

Wingspan: 172 feet

Top Speed: High subsonic

Crew Two: with provisions for a third crew member if future missions require it

Range: More than 6,000 nautical miles unrefueled; 10,000 nautical miles with one refueling

Altitude: Up to 50,000 feet Maximum

Gross Takeoff Weight: 336,500 pounds Payload More than 40,000 pounds. Can deliver a variety of conventional and nuclear weapons, including near precision-guided munitions, gravity bombs and maritime weapons

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