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B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

Brand: Northrop Grumman
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 628 mph (Mach 0.95)
Range 6,000+ nmi (11,000 km)
Payload Capacity 40,000 lb (18,000 kg)
Crew 2

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	B-2 Spirit
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1997
Status	Active
Category	Strategic Stealth Bomber
Crew	2
Unit Cost	Approx. $2.1 billion (2024 est.)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	69 ft (21 m)
Wingspan	172 ft (52.4 m)
Height	17 ft (5.1 m)
Wing Area	5,140 sq ft (478 m²)
Empty Weight	158,000 lb (71,700 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	336,500 lb (152,200 kg)

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	628 mph (Mach 0.95)
Range	6,000+ nmi (11,000 km)
Combat Radius	2,500 nmi (4,600 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,000 m)
Rate of Climb	Classified

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	4 × GE F118-GE-100 turbofans
Thrust (per engine)	17,300 lbf
Total Thrust	69,200 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	40,000 lb (18,000 kg)
Weapons Bay	Dual internal bays
Compatible Weapons	B61/B83 nuclear bombs, JDAMs, GBU-28
Hardpoints	None (internal only)

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	AN/APQ-181 multi-mode radar
Navigation	GPS-aided INS
Electronic Warfare (EW)	AN/ALQ-214 suite
Stealth Features	RAM coating, flying-wing design

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya
Notable Missions	Operation Allied Force (1999)

8. Additional Information

Variants	B-2A Spirit
Successor / Future Replacement	B-21 Raider
Notable Features	Stealth coating, long-range endurance
Estimated Operational Life	Until 2035

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.8

Stealth Capability 10 / 10
Payload Capacity 9 / 10
Range & Endurance 10 / 10
Electronic Warfare 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 6 / 10

PROS

Exceptional stealth and radar evasion
Long-range global strike capability
Dual nuclear and conventional role
Precision all-weather targeting systems
Proven combat performance

CONS

Extremely high operational cost
Limited production (only 21 units built)
Intensive maintenance requirements
No supersonic capability
Aging avionics nearing replacement

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber: America’s Invisible Giant

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit represents the pinnacle of American stealth engineering and long-range strike capability. Developed during the Cold War, this heavy strategic bomber was designed to penetrate dense air defenses and deliver both conventional and nuclear ordnance with precision. Entering U.S. Air Force service in 1997, the B-2 remains a cornerstone of America’s nuclear triad.

Design and Capabilities

Featuring a distinctive flying-wing design, the B-2 Spirit achieves an exceptionally low radar cross-section, enabling it to evade detection by radar systems across the electromagnetic spectrum. Its advanced Radar Absorbent Materials (RAM) and minimal infrared signature make it one of the most elusive aircraft ever built.

Powered by four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines, the bomber boasts a range of over 6,000 nautical miles unrefueled and can extend its mission endurance with aerial refueling. The internal weapons bays can carry up to 40,000 pounds of payload, including B83 nuclear bombs, JDAMs, and precision-guided munitions.

Operational Role

The B-2 Spirit has seen action in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, striking high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy. Operating primarily from Whiteman Air Force Base, it embodies strategic deterrence through stealth and survivability. Despite its high maintenance demands, the B-2 remains unmatched in global reach and covert strike capability—bridging the gap between the Cold War and next-generation bombers like the B-21 Raider.

Reviews

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Stealth Capability:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Range & Endurance:

8
Electronic Warfare:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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