Hazard, Jeffrey T. Hunter, and James F. Dinwiddie. The B-2 Spirit strategic bomber is an exceptional stealthy flying wing that left a mark in the history of military aerospace. [63] In 2014, the USAF outlined a series of upgrades including nuclear warfighting, a new integrated processing unit, the ability to carry cruise missiles, and threat warning improvements. Development of the first such designs started in 1975 with "the Hopeless Diamond", a model Lockheed built to test the concept. [6], The B-2 is capable of all-altitude attack missions up to 50,000 feet (15,000 m), with a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles (6,900 mi; 11,000 km) on internal fuel and over 10,000 nautical miles (12,000 mi; 19,000 km) with one midair refueling. 110319-F-CJ989-006 (5549830177) ... Vice President Dick Cheney talking inside cockpit at a rally for the B-2 Bomber Forces.jpg 514 × 336; 117 KB. [108] Without vertical surfaces to reflect radar laterally, side aspect radar cross section is also reduced. FILE PHOTO -- The B-2 Spirit approaches the boom of a McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey KC-10A Extender during a Capstone orientation flight. [the integrator, Northrop Grumman (newspaper), Volume 8, No. [7][131], During the Iraq War, B-2s operated from Diego Garcia and an undisclosed "forward operating location". [36] An August 1995 GAO report disclosed that the B-2 had trouble operating in heavy rain, as this rain could damage the aircraft's stealth coating, causing procurement delays until an adequate protective coating could be found. A number of upgrade packages have been applied to the B-2. [59] In 2012, Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz stated the B-2's 1980s-era stealth technologies would make it less survivable in future contested airspaces, so the USAF is to proceed with the Next-Generation Bomber despite overall budget cuts. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. In 2008, a B-2 was destroyed in a crash shortly after takeoff, though the crew ejected safely. It later served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. The evaluation also noted that the Defensive Avionics suite had shortcomings with "pop-up threats". B-2 Spirit 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), US Air Force. [152][153] At the time of the accident the USAF had no training to deal with tailpipe fires on the B-2s.[154]. ", "AGM-158 JASSM Cruise Missiles: FY 2011 Orders. The secrecy extended so far that access to nearly all information on the program by both Government Accountability Office (GAO) and virtually all members of Congress itself was severely limited until the mid-1980s. Development started under the "Advanced Technology Bomber" (ATB) project during the Carter administration; its expected performance was one of the President's reasons for the cancellation of the Mach 2 capable B-1A bomber. [7] Nuclear ordnance includes the B61 and B83 nuclear bombs; the AGM-129 ACM cruise missile was also intended for use on the B-2 platform. [101] Four pairs of control surfaces are located along the wing's trailing edge; while most surfaces are used throughout the aircraft's flight envelope, the inner elevons are normally only in use at slow speeds, such as landing. [23] Unlike the Lockheed F-117 program, which was also a black project (the type of military project of which very few people knew even existed while it was being designed and developed) more people within the United States federal government knew about the B-2 and more information about the project was available. I wonder how they ever let a reporter ride along in the B-2 let alone let the video out. [67] "Forward operating locations" have been previously designated as Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, where new climate controlled hangars have been constructed. [65][68] The B-2 bears a resemblance to earlier Northrop aircraft; the YB-35 and YB-49 were both flying wing bombers that had been canceled in development in the early 1950s,[69] allegedly for political reasons. [97] Due to the B-2's composite structure, it is required to stay 40 miles (64 km) away from thunderstorms, to avoid static discharge and lightning strikes. [127] On 7 May 1999, a B-2 dropped five JDAMs on the Chinese Embassy, killing several staff. Designed and manufactured by Northrop, later Northrop Grumman, the cost of each aircraft averaged US$737 million (in 1997 dollars). [76] Innovations such as alternate high frequency material (AHFM) and automated material application methods were also incorporated to improve the aircraft's radar-absorbent properties and reduce maintenance requirements. In 1997, as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and National Security Committee, Congressman Ron Dellums (D-CA), a long-time opponent of the bomber, cited five independent studies and offered an amendment to that year's defense authorization bill to cap production of the bombers to the existing 21 aircraft; the amendment was narrowly defeated. Hennigan, W. J., "The $105M resurrection of a B-2 stealth bomber". ", "B-2s return to flight after safety pause. The designers and engineers at Northrop-Grumman had a motto that they adopted while working on the B-2: “A miracle a day”. But, Work said, all soldiers contributed to the efforts and successes of the unit. See more ideas about stealth bomber, stealth, 2 spirited. [92], For safety and fault-detection purposes, an on-board test system is linked with the majority of avionics on the B-2 to continuously monitor the performance and status of thousands of components and consumables; it also provides post-mission servicing instructions for ground crews. [4], The total program cost projected through 2004 was US$44.75 billion in 1997 dollars. [42], The escalating cost of the B-2 program and evidence of flaws in the aircraft's ability to elude detection by radar[41] were among factors that drove opposition to continue the program. "Unraveling Stealth's 'Black World';Questions of Cost and Mission Arise Amid Debate Over Secrecy Series: Project Senior C.J. Low observability provides a greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing both range and fiel… [7] The Pentagon's Operational Test and Evaluation 2003 Annual Report noted that the B-2's serviceability for Fiscal Year 2003 was still inadequate, mainly due to the maintainability of the B-2's low observable coatings. [123] The B-2 reached initial operational capability (IOC) on 1 January 1997. This viewing was heavily restricted, and guests were not allowed to see the rear of the B-2. harvnb error: no target: CITEREFRichJanos1994 (, Graham, Bradley. ", "How Russia Could Someday Shootdown an F-22, F-35 or B-2 Stealth Bomber", "VI - STEALTH AIRCRAFT: EAGLES AMONG SPARROWS? The main area of improvement would be replacement of outdated avionics and equipment. [16] The Northrop proposal was code named "Senior Ice" and the Lockheed proposal code named "Senior Peg". [85] The onboard DMS is capable of automatically assessing the detection capabilities of identified threats and indicated targets. It is speculated to have an upward-facing light sensor which alerts the pilot to increase or reduce altitude to match the changing illuminance of the sky. https://www.popularmechanics.com/.../b2-bomber-cockpit-first-look ", "Flight Control Actuation System Integrator for the B-2 Spirit. [127] On 7 May 1999, a B-2 dropped five JDAMs on the Chinese Embassy, killing several staff. [155] The restored test aircraft is on display in the museum's "Cold War Gallery". A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit in flight over the Pacific Ocean. "Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit". The aircraft involved was AV-11 Spirit of Washington. 29 October 1994 – Severely damaged by fire in February 2010, 6510th Test Wing – Edwards AFB, California 1989–1992. Both during development and in service, considerable effort has been devoted to maintaining the security of the B-2's design and technologies. Additional reduction in its radar signature was achieved by the use of various radar-absorbent materials (RAM) to absorb and neutralize radar beams. A key improvement was the introduction of computer models used to predict the radar reflections from flat surfaces where collected data drove the design of a "faceted" aircraft. High quality B2 Bomber gifts and merchandise. Other sorties in Iraq have launched from Whiteman AFB. Thread Tools Search this Thread 5th May 2019, 17:50 #21 Chiefttp . It also moved retirement of the B-1 to 2036 while extending the B-52's service life into the 2050s, due to the latter's lower maintenance costs, versatile conventional payload, and ability to carry nuclear cruise missiles (which the B-1 is treaty-prohibited from doing). [129], The B-2 saw service in Afghanistan, striking ground targets in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. [113][114], Some analysts claim infra-red search and track systems (IRSTs) can be deployed against stealth aircraft, because any aircraft surface heats up due to air friction and with a two channel IRST is a CO2 (4.3 µm absorption maxima) detection possible, through difference comparing between the low and high channel.[115][116]. The concept was to build an aircraft with an airframe that deflected or absorbed radar signals so that little was reflected back to the radar unit. According to the Huygens–Fresnel principle, even a very flat plate would still reflect radar waves, though much less than when a signal is bouncing at a right angle. ", "Air Force Reorganizes Nuclear Commands. [14] An estimated US$23 billion was secretly spent for research and development on the B-2 by 1989. [67] The B-2 stored in a $5 million specialised air-conditioned hangar to maintain its stealth coating. T he B-2 Spirit is a four engine, two crew, military strategic stealth bomber built by Northrop Grumman since the late 1980s. B-2 Spirit Cockpit. [119] In order to protect the operational integrity of its sophisticated radar absorbent material and coatings, each B-2 is kept inside a climate-controlled hangar (Extra Large Deployable Aircraft Hangar System) large enough to accommodate its 172-foot (52 m) wingspan. It is capable of deploying both nuclear and conventional warheads. The winding-down of the Cold War in the latter portion of the 1980s dramatically reduced the need for the aircraft, which was designed with the intention of penetrating Soviet airspace and attacking high-value targets. [53] Changing the radar's frequency was required as the United States Department of Commerce had sold that radio spectrum to another operator. [67] Each aircraft has a crew of two, a pilot in the left seat and mission commander in the right,[7] and has provisions for a third crew member if needed. The Anti-Radar Design Relies On A Complex Mix Of Materials. ", "Debate on Dellums Amendment to 1998 Defense Authorization Act. [58], It was reported in 2011 that the Pentagon was evaluating an unmanned stealth bomber, characterized as a "mini-B-2", as a potential replacement in the near future. By 1992, Republican President George H. W. Bush called for the cancellation of the B-2 and promised to cut military spending by 30% in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1980s, 23 billion dollars were spent secretly for studies and advancement of the aircraft. [121][122] The hangars are built by American Spaceframe Fabricators Inc. and cost approximately US$5 million apiece. "Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit". [28] Gowadia was convicted and sentenced to 32 years in prison for his actions. [67], The development and construction of the B-2 required pioneering use of computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies, due to its complex flight characteristics and design requirements to maintain very low visibility to multiple means of detection. [81][82], It was decided, in light of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, to equip the B-2 for conventional precision attacks as well as for the strategic role of nuclear-strike. [121][122], The first operational aircraft, christened Spirit of Missouri, was delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, where the fleet is based, on 17 December 1993. A bomber is a combat aircraft designed to attack ground and naval targets by dropping air-to-ground weaponry (such as bombs), launching torpedoes, or deploying air-launched cruise missiles. [81][118] In early 2004, Northrop Grumman began applying a newly developed AHFM to operational B-2s. [25] Northrop (now Northrop Grumman) was the B-2's prime contractor; major subcontractors included Boeing, Hughes Aircraft (now Raytheon), GE, and Vought Aircraft.[7]. [122] The need for specialized hangars arose in 1998 when it was found that B-2s passing through Andersen Air Force Base did not have the climate-controlled environment maintenance operations required. [65] It has significant advantages over previous bombers due to its blend of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload. The B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber.The B-2 Spirit aircraft is described as “deadly and effective’ yet at the same time it is upheld as an instrument of “humanitarian warfare”. The B-21 Raider is the first new Air Force bomber since 1988, the year the B-2A Spirit was unveiled. However, in 1995, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and its Director of National Security Analysis, found that additional B-2s would reduce the cost of expended munitions by less than US$2 billion in 1995 dollars during the first two weeks of a conflict, in which the Air Force predicted bombers would make their greatest contribution; a small fraction of the US$26.8 billion (in 1995 dollars) life cycle cost that the CBO projected for an additional 20 B-2s.[48]. [150][151] Spirit of Washington was repaired and returned to service in December 2013. Sweetman, Bill. However, Aviation Week editors found that there were no airspace restrictions above the presentation area and took aerial photographs of the aircraft's then-secret rear section[27] with suppressed engine exhausts. Thread Starter . The B-2 has a two-man crew with only two ejection seats. [45] In October 1995, former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General Mike Ryan, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Shalikashvili, strongly recommended against Congressional action to fund the purchase of any additional B-2s, arguing that to do so would require unacceptable cuts in existing conventional and nuclear-capable aircraft,[46] and that the military had greater priorities in spending a limited budget. Hazard, Jeffrey T. Hunter, and James F. Dinwiddie. [7] The B-2 is highly automated, and one crew member can sleep in a camp bed, use a toilet, or prepare a hot meal while the other monitors the aircraft, unlike most two-seat aircraft. One article includes cockpit footage from inside a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, the first time outside video cameras have been allowed inside the jet. [12], By 1976, these programs had progressed to a position in which a long-range strategic stealth bomber appeared viable. [86] In July 2009, Northrop Grumman reported the B-2 was compatible with the equipment necessary to deploy the 30,000 lb (14,000 kg) Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which is intended to attack reinforced bunkers; up to two MOPs could be equipped in the B-2's bomb bays with one per bay,[87] the B-2 is the only platform compatible with the MOP as of 2012. ", "Air Force Completes Preliminary Design Review of New B-2 Bomber Computer Architecture. Designed during the Cold War, it is a flying wing design with a crew of two. "The B-2's Stealthy Skins Need Tender, Lengthy Care. [96], In addition to periodic software upgrades and the introduction of new radar-absorbent materials across the fleet, the B-2 has had several major upgrades to its avionics and combat systems. No operational B-2s have been retired by the Air Force to be put on display. [125] The B-2 was the first aircraft to deploy GPS satellite-guided JDAM "smart bombs" in combat use in Kosovo. In February 2010, another serious incident involving a B-2 occurred at Andersen Air Force Base. [39][40], In its consideration of the fiscal year 1990 defense budget, the House Armed Services Committee trimmed $800 million from the B-2 research and development budget, while at the same time staving off a motion to end the project. [85] The arrays of the upgraded radar features were entirely replaced to make the AN/APQ-181 into an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. This viewing was heavily restricted, and guests were not allowed to see the rear of the B-2. The bomber's design was changed in the mid-1980s when the mission profile was changed from high-altitude to low-altitude, terrain-following. [69], The B-2 is assembled with unusually tight engineering tolerances to avoid leaks as they could increase its radar signature. ", "USAF updates firefighter training and equipment following B-2 tailpipe fire", "The US Navy -- Fact File: AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW)", "New Video Of B-2 Bomber Dropping Mother Of All Bunker Busters Sends Ominous Message", "Air Force names final B-2 bomber 'Spirit of America", "Air Force, Options to Retire of Restructure the Force would Reduce Planned Spending, NSIAD-96-192. View images of the B-2 Spirit on this page. B-2s have conducted 27 sorties from Whiteman AFB and 22 sorties from a forward operating location, releasing more than 1,500,000 pounds (680,000 kg) of munitions,[7] including 583 JDAM "smart bombs" in 2003. [85], In response to organizational issues and high-profile mistakes made within the Air Force,[132][133] all of the B-2s, along with the nuclear-capable B-52s and the Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), were transferred to the newly formed Air Force Global Strike Command on 1 February 2010. New images will be taken and uploaded as time and resources allow. [4] The procurement cost per aircraft as detailed in GAO reports, which include spare parts and software support, was $929 million per aircraft in 1997 dollars. your own Pins on Pinterest [137][138], In August 2011, The New Yorker reported that prior to the May 2011 U.S. Special Operations raid into Abbottabad, Pakistan that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, U.S. officials had considered an airstrike by one or more B-2s as an alternative; an airstrike was rejected because of damage to civilian buildings in the area from using a bunker busting bomb. Then it became the Advanced Technology Bomber, utilizing the code Senior Cejay. [13] Further studies were ordered in early 1978, by which point the Have Blue platform had flown and proven the concepts. To avoid the possibility of suspicion, components were typically purchased through front companies, military officials would visit out of uniform, and staff members were routinely subjected to polygraph examinations. The aircraft is stealthy, except briefly when the bomb bay opens. [34][35] Maintenance costs are about $3.4 million a month for each aircraft. The B-2 Spirit strategic bomber is an exceptional stealthy flying wing that left a mark in the history of military aerospace. The B-2s together dropped 108 500-pound precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs. [43] In 1990, the Department of Defense accused Northrop of using faulty components in the flight control system; it was also found that redesign work was required to reduce the risk of damage to engine fan blades by bird ingestion. Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit. [53] Changing the radar's frequency was required as the United States Department of Commerce had sold that radio spectrum to another operator. With aerial refueling support, the B-2 flew one of its longest missions to date from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri to Afghanistan and back. [36] An August 1995 GAO report disclosed that the B-2 had trouble operating in heavy rain, as this rain could damage the aircraft's stealth coating, causing procurement delays until an adequate protective coating could be found. This isn't some phony round-the-flagpole ride, either. ", "B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded. [58], It was reported in 2011 that the Pentagon was evaluating an unmanned stealth bomber, characterized as a "mini-B-2", as a potential replacement in the near future. "Pressure mounts as stealth bombers deployed". A key improvement was the introduction of computer models used to predict the radar reflections from flat surfaces where collected data drove the design of a "faceted" aircraft. Designed during the Cold War, it is a flying wing design with a crew of two. [56], In July 2010, political analyst Rebecca Grant speculated that when the B-2 becomes unable to reliably penetrate enemy defenses, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II may take on its strike/interdiction mission, carrying B61 nuclear bombs as a tactical bomber. [145] Spirit of Kansas had been operated by the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and had logged 5,176 flight hours. The two person crew ejected safely from the aircraft and survived the crash. [97] Due to the B-2's composite structure, it is required to stay 40 miles (64 km) away from thunderstorms, to avoid static discharge and lightning strikes. [103] The original design had tanks for a contrail-inhibiting chemical, but this was replaced in production aircraft by a contrail sensor that alerts the crew when they should change altitude. [8], In 1974, DARPA requested information from U.S. aviation firms about the largest radar cross-section of an aircraft that would remain effectively invisible to radars. ", "An Extraordinarily Expensive Way to Fight ISIS", "Northrop Grumman and USAF Verify Proper Fit of 30,000 lb Penetrator Weapon on B-2 Bomber. ", "Flight Control Actuation System Integrator for the B-2 Spirit. [60] In 2012 projections, it was estimated that the Next-Generation Bomber would have an overall cost of $55 billion. In the B-2's original configuration, up to 16 GAMs or JDAMs could be deployed;[84] an upgrade program in 2004 raised the maximum carriable capacity to 80 JDAMs. The majority of the B-2 is made out of a carbon-graphite composite material that is stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum, and absorbs a significant amount of radar energy. [98] The flight computer receives information on external conditions such as the aircraft's current air speed and angle of attack via pitot-static sensing plates, as opposed to traditional pitot tubes which would impair the aircraft's stealth capabilities. ", "Air Force Global Strike Command officials assume B-52, B-2 mission. [65][107] The flying wing design most closely resembles a so-called infinite flat plate (as vertical control surfaces dramatically increase RCS), the perfect stealth shape, as it would lack angles to reflect back radar waves (initially, the shape of the Northrop ATB concept was flatter; it gradually increased in volume according to specific military requirements). The mission, part of the annual South Korean–United States military exercises, was the first time that B-2s overflew the Korean peninsula. [124] Depot maintenance for the B-2 is accomplished by U.S. Air Force contractor support and managed at Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base. ", "The Air Force Announced It's Upgrading The One Plane It Needs To Bomb Iran. [7][131], During the Iraq War, B-2s operated from Diego Garcia and an undisclosed "forward operating location". [67] The B-2 stored in a $5 million specialised air-conditioned hangar to maintain its stealth coating. The winding-down of the Cold War in the latter portion of the 1980s dramatically reduced the need for the aircraft, which was designed with the intention of penetrating Soviet airspace and attacking high-value targets. In July 2008, the B-2's onboard computing architecture was extensively redesigned; it now incorporates a new integrated processing unit (IPU) that communicates with systems throughout the aircraft via a newly installed fiber optic network; a new version of the operational flight program software was also developed, with legacy code converted from the JOVIAL programming language to standard C.[50][51] Updates were also made to the weapon control systems to enable strikes upon moving targets, such as ground vehicles. [88] This is to be followed by the Long Range Standoff Weapon which may give the B-2 a standoff nuclear capability for the first time. [70] The resemblance goes as far as B-2 and YB-49 having the same wingspan. Mar 31, 2019 - B-2 Spirit Cockpit B-2 Spirit Cockpit B-2 Spirit Cockpit B-2 Spirit Cockpit B-2 Spirit Cockpit [5] As of 2018, twenty B-2s are in service with the United States Air Force, which plans to operate them until 2032, when the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is to replace it. [89], In order to make the B-2 more effective than previous bombers, many advanced and modern avionics systems were integrated into its design; these have been modified and improved following a switch to conventional warfare missions. Hennigan, W. J., "The $105M resurrection of a B-2 stealth bomber". "Unraveling Stealth's 'Black World';Questions of Cost and Mission Arise Amid Debate Over Secrecy Series: Project Senior C.J. Capstone is a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training mission providing interservice training for the wartime application of airlift. [1][3] The bomber can deploy both conventional and thermonuclear weapons, such as up to eighty 500-pound class (230 kg) Mk 82 JDAM Global Positioning System-guided bombs, or sixteen 2,400-pound (1,100 kg) B83 nuclear bombs. [citation needed] The B-2's (s/n 82-1066 / AV-1) first public flight was on 17 July 1989 from Palmdale to Edwards AFB. Location: Canada. ", "Libya military operation: Who should command? [120], B-2s are supported by portable, environmentally-controlled hangars called B-2 Shelter Systems (B2SS). The B-2 was first publicly displayed on 22 November 1988 at United States Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, where it was assembled. [55] In 2010, it was made public that the Air Force Research Laboratory had developed a new material to be used on the part of the wing trailing edge subject to engine exhaust, replacing existing material that quickly degraded. Senator, representing Massachusetts. ", Murphy, Robert D., Michael J. [47], Some B-2 advocates argued that procuring twenty additional aircraft would save money because B-2s would be able to deeply penetrate anti-aircraft defenses and use low-cost, short-range attack weapons rather than expensive standoff weapons. [13] Further studies were ordered in early 1978, by which point the Have Blue platform had flown and proven the concepts. [79] There are two internal bomb bays in which munitions are stored either on a rotary launcher or two bomb-racks; the carriage of the weapons loadouts internally results in less radar visibility than external mounting of munitions. During the late 1980s and 1990s, Congress slashed plans to purchase 132 bombers to 21. Feb 5, 2019 - Explore Hamid Reza Sadraei's board "B2 Spirit" on Pinterest. 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