Of all the aircraft in the world, the B-2 is likely the easiest to recognize on sight, which is ironic since the American government spared no expense keeping it secret until the first of several prototypes flew. This stealthy aircraft was designed in a way that hostiles could not anticipate its arrival, but its 22,600 Kg bomb load and a multitude of nuclear missiles would ensure they'd know when it had arrived. Named the B-2 Spirit, its advantage in battle is derived from its designation spirit; It operates like a ghost.
The development of the B-2 spanned nearly two decades and resulted in the production models costing 2 billion dollars each (The prototypes converted into service models cost less). Northrop had been approached in the early 1970s and asked to build a bomber to succeed Rockwells now infamous heavy-hitting B-1B bomber in the penetration role. Northrop, with some aid from the United States government, decided that they wouldn't concentrate on a fast, low-flying design with a massive load of conventional bombs like the B-1B.
Instead, they'd focus on stealth to create an undetectable bomber that wouldn't need to outrun hostiles. Northrop had more experience with the naturally stealthy flying wing design than any other company in the United States, or the world, except for Germany's war-era Horten Corporation. Using data collected from their N-1M, YB-49 and XB-35 designs, they opted to leave a tail out of the aircraft and use computers to automatically steer it. Streamlined engine exhausts and a body as thin as possible were also employed to ensure the aircraft could remain silent to enemy radars in the air, and even the more efficient ground radars.
As the program wore on and costs soared, it became clear that the new bomber, designated the B-2 Spirit, was never going to be fielded in numbers. The first prototype flew in 1989; a year after its existence was made known to the general populace. The bomber began to make many enemies in the government, who were concerned about its enormous cost. Originally, 132 aircraft were going to be constructed, until the aircrafts whopping 2 billion dollar price tag made this unwise. In fact, only 15 models were ever produced, and the six prototypes were all converted so that they could enter service as well. It was now clear that the bomber would have to support the Lancer bomber instead of replacing it, as neither the funds nor the aircraft were available in sufficient amounts.
The airframe of the B-2 spirit is essentially one enormous wing, the only signs of a fuselage existing in this aircraft being the easily-noticeable bulges which store both engines and the bomb bay/cockpit area. This design results in very few protruding surfaces on the aircraft, and therefore only minimal adjustments and measures, such as angled surfaces and graphite materials with a low radar signature had to be applied to keep it stealthy. However, to retain this stealthy shape, many major aircraft systems had to be stored (A more appropriate word would be crammed) inside the aircraft, requiring extreme organisation and planning, and resulting in difficult maintenance. The other method utilized to keep the exterior stealthy was the deletion of certain systems altogether, such as tailfins, and use fly-by-wire technology to keep the aircraft stable. Previous Northrop designs had been unstable because it is extremely difficult for pilots to control an aircraft lacking tailfins, but advanced technology allowed the B-2 pilots to fly the aircraft without having to worry about stability issues.
Four massive 84.52 Kn turbofan engines provide power nestled away to the "rear" of the fuselage. At high altitudes, an acidic solution is squirted into the exhaust of the Spirit, where it reacts with the contrails and disperses them, so that they cannot give the bombers position away. The engines oddly-shaped exhausts are the result of the plating put in place to minimize the heat signature of the aircraft, which can only be located by airplanes directly behind the Spirit with powerful radar. This protects the B-2 from SAMs and radars which can alert interceptors, the biggest threats to high altitude bombers in modern warfare.
Although it doesn't possess the enormous 60,000 Kg bombload of its stablemate, the B-1B Lancer, its own bombload of 22,600 Kg is far from modest. Like most modern bombers, bombs and other ordnance are stored in an internal weapons bay, although this is done more to maintain stealth than anything else. The B-2 cannot carry drop tanks (Like most heavy class bombers) and risk compromising itself so it needs to fly using internal fuel tanks. However, its range of 12,225 Km on internal fuel is far from unsatisfactory, and it can easily be topped up by KC-135s, which are specially designed to refuel warplanes. The B-2 can carry eight nuclear bombs or 16 nuclear missiles, plus a variety of air-to-ground munitions. Its conventional bombload is a staggering 80,227 Kg bombs, and although this is somewhat average compared to other modern aircraft, it is extremely useful during war, since the B-2 would not be frequently called upon for the nuclear delivery role.
The B-2 Spirit is as delicate as glass when it comes to remaining stealthy. When not operational, B-2's are extensively maintained, its major and minor systems are all checked, and it is stored in massive hangars with temperature control. Since the slightest dent can deteriorate the Spirit's stealth features, it is treated with extreme care by maintenance personnel. This is no surprise considering over a million parts were incorporated into this super bomber. The B-2 is the worlds only stealth bomber to date. Lockheed Martin's design was unrelated, but lacked many of the materials that keep the B-2 Spirit extremely difficult to find. The only airplane with stealth features that can match those of the B-2 is the F-22 Raptor, which also bears an enormous price tag. Designed to fly dangerous high altitude missions over even ground radar sites, the B-2 is the pikehead of the USAF's bomber force, complimenting the numerous B-52 "Stratofortress" (A.K.A. BUFF) and the deep-penetrating B-1B Lancer. Only one B-2 was ever lost in a crash, at Anderson AFB, Guam. Moisture on the aircraft gave false readings to the computer sensors, which made an automatic flight correction. The B-2 swerved too close to the ground, and the crew was forced to eject after trying to regain control.
Written by: Pace51