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 |