The revolutionary approach to bring the B-2 Spirit to life is as unique as the technologies that resulted from it. Discover what it took to turn a fantasy into a reality—directly from the team behind the B Learn about the strategic, long-range heavy bomber with low-observable technology.
The B-2 has all-altitude capability to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses in nuclear and conventional missions.
The B-2s were first deployed in combat during the war in Kosovo. Since then, they have flown several combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. After being in active service for over 30 years, there will come a time when the B-2 system upgrades will only make the bombers marginally more effective. The Air Force knows this and is currently working on a next-generation replacement, codenamed the B Raider for now.
According to reports, a prototype is already being built and the first set may be operational within the next decade.
The first B-2 Stealth Bomber might have made its maiden flight in but designs for a bat-winged aircraft were being considered as far back as The image here depicts the YB, a flying wing-jet developed by Northrop, the company that eventually won the contract to build the B-2 Bombers.
As far as bombers go, the B-2 Spirit has few equals when it comes to the impressive array of weapons it can bring to bear in battle. They can also be fitted to carry a large number of smaller high explosive bombs that can rain down in a continuous shower over enemy positions. This includes improvements to parts such as the aft deck and bomb bays. Additional components like the Lockheed Martin integrated processing unit IPU and EHF satellite communications equipment have also been added to make the bomber even more effective in combat.
About Valerie Insinna. More In Global Strike: Up close with the people and the systems. Air Force plans to solicit bids for a new B engine from industry later this year, and maintainers are hungry for a replacement. Same old plane. Decades late, the B is getting a new nuclear weapon To keep the B bomber relevant for its nuclear mission, the U. Air Force is preparing to spend billions of dollars to develop a new air-launched cruise missile. An interview with Jeff Bolton Jeff Bolton, Defense News's production partner explains his project--and what it was like to fly in a B Featured Video.
Will the Air Force's EW gear fit in a smaller plane? Actionable Intelligence. Under a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman in February , the USAF has begun a programme to give the B-2 the capability to attack moving targets, using precision-guided weapons such as the small diameter bomb II.
The contract involves the upgrade of displays and radar modes. Testing at Edwards Air Force Base has demonstrated reliable terrain following at altitudes down to ft. The aircraft was officially handed off to the air force on at Whiteman Air Force Base, the operational home of the B-2 fleet and the th Bomb Wing. The updated aircraft will be used by air force to conduct additional field testing of the radar, and the data gathered from these decisions will support future fielding decisions.
In November , Raytheon was awarded a contract to develop a new Ku-band AESA active electronically scanned array antenna for the B-2 radar to avoid interference with commercial satellite systems after Flight tests with new radar began in October and continued until Installation of the new antenna on the B-2 fleet is to be completed by The communications equipment is supplied by Rockwell Collins. A Milstar military strategic and tactical relay satellite communications system is installed in block 30 aircraft.
The aircraft is powered by four General Electric FGE turbofan engines internally mounted in the body of the wings. The engines, rated at 77kN, provide a high subsonic speed and a maximum gross take-off weight of ,lb. In-flight refuelling gear is installed in the top centre line of the aircraft behind the cockpit. Get important industry news and analysis sent to your inbox — sign up to our e-Newsletter here.
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