B-2 Spirit

B-2 Spirit
B-2 Spirit

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. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.

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.

The B-2 has a crew of two pilots, an aircraft commander 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.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Multi-role heavy bomber
Power Plant: Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines
Thrust: 17,300 pounds each engine
Length: 69 feet (20.9 meters)
Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters)
Wingspan: 172 feet (52.12 meters)
Speed: High subsonic
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,152 meters)
Weight: 336,500 pounds (152,635 kilograms)
Range: Intercontinental, unrefueled
Armament: Nuclear or conventional weapons. 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms) of payload
Crew: Two pilots, with provisions for a third crew station
Unit Cost: Approximately $1.3 billion
Date Deployed: December 1993
Inventory: Active force: 20 planned (operational aircraft); ANG: 0; Reserve: 0