[130], The B-2's combat use preceded a U.S. Air Force declaration of "full operational capability" in December 2003. ", "B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded. It's where your interests connect you with your people. For the first time in the 30-year history of the U.S. Air Force B-2 stealth bomber program, video footage showing the cockpit of a Spirit stealth bomber has been released. [14], The Advanced Technology Bomber (ATB) program began in 1979. [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. [78], The B-2, in the envisaged Cold War scenario, was to perform deep-penetrating nuclear strike missions, making use of its stealthy capabilities to avoid detection and interception throughout missions. [7] B-2s would be stationed in the Middle East as a part of a US military buildup in the region from 2003. The ATB project continued during the Reagan administration, but worries about delays in its introduction led to the reinstatement of the B-1 program. [7][131], During the Iraq War, B-2s operated from Diego Garcia and an undisclosed "forward operating location". 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]. [67] The B-2 stored in a $5 million specialised air-conditioned hangar to maintain its stealth coating. In response, on 22 August 1980 the Carter administration publicly disclosed that the United States Department of Defense was working to develop stealth aircraft, including a bomber. Designed and manufactured by Northrop, later Northrop Grumman, the cost of each aircraft averaged US$737 million (in 1997 dollars). Hennigan, W. J., "The $105M resurrection of a B-2 stealth bomber". Though designed originally as primarily a nuclear bomber, the B-2 was first used in combat dropping conventional, non-nuclear ordnance in the Kosovo War in 1999. The aircraft was severely damaged by fire while on the ground and underwent 18 months of repairs in order to enable it to fly back to the mainland for more comprehensive repairs. ", "Kasich still touts opposition to stealth bomber", "Zell Miller's Attack on Kerry: A Little Out Of Date. 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. [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. [27], In October 2005, Noshir Gowadia, a design engineer who worked on the B-2's propulsion system, was arrested for selling B-2 related classified information to foreign countries. During the 1980 presidential election campaign in 1979, Ronald Reagan repeatedly stated that Carter was weak on defense, and used the B-1 as a prime example. [7][131], During the Iraq War, B-2s operated from Diego Garcia and an undisclosed "forward operating location". [91] Engine thrust became a key element of the B-2's aerodynamic design process early on; thrust not only affects drag and lift but pitching and rolling motions as well. Lockheed had experience in this field due to developing the Lockheed A-12 and SR-71, which included a number of stealthy features, notably its canted vertical stabilizers, the use of composite materials in key locations, and the overall surface finish in radar-absorbing paint. Beck has yet to conduct a long-endurance flight in the B-2 Spirit, the stealth bomber produced by Northrop Grumman and introduced to the U.S. Air Force’s inventory in 1997. [4] The B-2 may cost up to $135,000 per flight hour to operate in 2010, which is about twice that of the B-52 and B-1. [21] MIT engineers and scientists helped assess the mission effectiveness of the aircraft under a five-year classified contract during the 1980s. [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. 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. [95] The avionics are controlled by 13 EMP-resistant MIL-STD-1750A computers, which are interconnected through 26 MIL-STD-1553B-busses; other system elements are connected via optical fiber. Thread Starter . [49] Nonetheless, Congress did not approve funding for additional B-2s. [44], In time, a number of prominent members of Congress began to oppose the program's expansion, including later Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, who cast votes against the B-2 in 1989, 1991 and 1992 while a U.S. ", "Schwartz Defends Cost of USAF's Next-Gen Bomber. [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. [53] Changing the radar's frequency was required as the United States Department of Commerce had sold that radio spectrum to another operator. "Inside the stealth bomber". Comparable maintenance needs for the B-52 and the B-1B are 53 and 60 hours respectively for each hour of flight. Development of the first such designs started in 1975 with "the Hopeless Diamond", a model Lockheed built to test the concept. Although other detection measures existed, such as human observation, infrared scanners, acoustic locators, their relatively short detection range or poorly-developed technology allowed most aircraft to fly undetected, or at least untracked, especially at night. 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. 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. The B-2 is a flying wingaircraft, meaning that it has no fuselage or tail. Goodall, James C. "The Northrop B-2A Stealth Bomber.". [102], The B-2's low-observable, or "stealth", characteristics enable the undetected penetration of sophisticated anti-aircraft defenses and to attack even heavily defended targets. Other sorties in Iraq have launched from Whiteman AFB. "Unraveling Stealth's 'Black World';Questions of Cost and Mission Arise Amid Debate Over Secrecy Series: Project Senior C.J. In 1980s, 23 billion dollars were spent secretly for studies and advancement of the aircraft. [80][81] The B-2 is capable of carrying 40,000 lb (18,000 kg) of ordnance. [67][76][77] Advanced training is conducted at the USAF Weapons School. 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. GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL A FFAIRS DIV, August 1995, p.16, 20, "Moisture in sensors led to stealth bomber crash, Air Force report says.". A key reason for this cost is the provision of air-conditioned hangars large enough for the bomber's 172 ft (52 m) wingspan, which are needed to maintain the aircraft's stealth properties, particularly its "low-observable" stealth skins. [120], B-2s are supported by portable, environmentally-controlled hangars called B-2 Shelter Systems (B2SS). The F-117 Nighthawk was the first operational aircraft specifically designed around stealth technology. 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. This viewing was heavily restricted, and guests were not allowed to see the rear of the B-2. 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. Tensions between North and South Korea were high; after the exercise North Korea protested against the participation of the B-2s and made threats of retaliatory nuclear strikes against South Korea and the United States. [10], Plans were well advanced by the summer of 1975, when DARPA started the Experimental Survivability Testbed (XST) project. A free Cockpit360 app is available through the Apple and Google Play stores. ", "Engineer jailed for selling US stealth bomber technology to China. Hennigan, W. J., "The $105M resurrection of a B-2 stealth bomber". [11] Northrop also had a classified technology demonstration aircraft, the Tacit Blue in development in 1979 at Area 51. [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. [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. Capstone is a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training mission providing interservice training for the wartime application of airlift. According to the Stefan–Boltzmann law, this results in less energy (thermal radiation in the infrared spectrum) being released and thus a reduced heat signature. ", "Semantic Designs Aligns with Northrop Grumman to Modernize B-2 Spirit Bomber Software Systems", "Northrop Grumman Adding Mobile Targets to B-2 Bomber Capabilities. 12, 30 June 2006, page 8 article author: Carol Ilten]. Low observability provides a greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing both range and field of view for onboard sensors. Sweetman, Bill. "Defense worker loses job over his ties to India". Find out why each plane is said to have its own personality. Staff working on the B-2 in most, if not all, capacities have to achieve a level of special-access clearance, and undergo extensive background checks carried out by a special branch of the Air Force. 12, 30 June 2006, page 8 article author: Carol Ilten]. ", "Northrop Grumman Applies New Coating to Operational B-2.". [95] The avionics are controlled by 13 EMP-resistant MIL-STD-1750A computers, which are interconnected through 26 MIL-STD-1553B-busses; other system elements are connected via optical fiber. Lockheed received the sole award for the second test round in April 1976 leading to the Have Blue program and eventually the F-117 stealth attack aircraft. [126] The use of JDAMs and precision-guided munitions effectively replaced the controversial tactic of carpet-bombing, which had been harshly criticized due to it causing indiscriminate civilian casualties in prior conflicts, such as the 1991 Gulf War. [155] The restored test aircraft is on display in the museum's "Cold War Gallery". [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. Pretty complex, huh? "Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit". The stealth bomber features low observable stealth technology and is designed for penetrating anti-aircraft defenses. As of September 2013[update], there have been no instances of a missile being launched at a B-2. The B-2 Spirit aircraft began as a black project identified as High Altitude Penetrating Bomber. [14] An estimated US$23 billion was secretly spent for research and development on the B-2 by 1989. 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. The B-2's clean, low-drag flying wing configuration not only provides exceptional range but is also beneficial to reducing its radar profile. [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. [104] The B-2 is vulnerable to visual interception at ranges of 20 nmi (23 mi; 37 km) or less. [91] The DMS will be upgraded by 2021 to detect radar emissions from air defenses to allow changes to the auto-router's mission planning information while in-flight so it can receive new data quickly to plan a route that minimizes exposure to dangers. Designed during the Cold War, it is a flying wing design with a crew of two. [70] The resemblance goes as far as B-2 and YB-49 having the same wingspan. [29], A procurement of 132 aircraft was planned in the mid-1980s, but was later reduced to 75. [9] Initially, Northrop and McDonnell Douglas were selected for further development. ", "Pentagon Wants Unmanned Stealth Bomber to Replace B-2. Today the B-2 - though limited by available numbers - provides the United States with a lethal first-strike / first-kill capability unmatched throughout the world. ", "B-2s return to flight after safety pause. Mar 9, 2019 - This Pin was discovered by Gilberto Sánchez. It is capable of deploying both nuclear and conventional warheads. [80][81] The B-2 is capable of carrying 40,000 lb (18,000 kg) of ordnance. [75] For comparison, the B-1B has a crew of four and the B-52 has a crew of five. Unique video footage recently filmed in a U.S. Air Force B-2A Spirit stealth bomber cockpit just released. "Integrated review of stealth technology and its role in airpower". [150][151] Spirit of Washington was repaired and returned to service in December 2013. ", Capaccio, Tony. We're ensuring that it remains fully mission capable against evolving worldwide threats. Eden, Paul. Burying engines deep inside the fuselage also minimizes the thermal visibility or infrared signature of the exhaust. ", "Flight Control Actuation System Integrator for the B-2 Spirit. [93] In 2008, many of the 136[94] standalone distributed computers on board the B-2, including the primary flight management computer, were being replaced by a single integrated system. [1], The Northrop team's ATB design was selected over the Lockheed/Rockwell design on 20 October 1981. [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. [155] The test article passed all structural testing requirements before the airframe failed. The Northrop (later Northrop Grumman) B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is an American heavy strategic bomber, featuring low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses. Good Evening All: I found this video on another aviation web site which has the first cockpit video I have ever seen of a B-2 Spirit in flight. It has significant advantages over previous bombers due to its blend of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload. See more ideas about stealth bomber, stealth, 2 spirited. "The stealth technology developed from the program was later incorporated into other operational aircraft designs, including the B-2 stealth bomber". Engineers did everything in their power to make the B-2 more effective than previous bombers. See more ideas about stealth bomber, fighter jets, military aircraft. [104] The B-2 is vulnerable to visual interception at ranges of 20 nmi (23 mi; 37 km) or less. ", USAF to Retire B-1, B-2 in Early 2030s as B-21 Comes On-Line. It is characterized by its many upgrades, political controversy, and continued service in the United States Air Force as a nuclear-capable first strike aircraft. Upon landing I'll become number 544, with the new Air Force handle "Spirit 544." 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]. Glider. [17] Northrop had prior experience developing the YB-35 and YB-49 flying wing aircraft. [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. "Integrated review of stealth technology and its role in airpower". ", "Debate on Dellums Amendment to 1998 Defense Authorization Act. Click on the links below to view aircraft interior images. ", "Program office brings home 'wounded warrior'. The B-2s together dropped 108 500-pound precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs. [155] The exhibit features Spirit of Ohio's nose wheel door, with its Fire and Ice artwork, which was painted and signed by the technicians who performed the temperature testing. [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. In 1984, a Northrop employee, Thomas Cavanaugh was arrested for attempting to sell classified information to the Soviet Union; the information was taken from Northrop's Pico Rivera, California factory. [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. Program costs rose throughout development. ", "Why the Air Force Only Has 20 B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers", "America's New B-21 Stealth Bomber vs. Russia's S-300 or S-400: Who Wins? New images will be taken and uploaded as time and resources allow. [7][66] At cruising altitude, the B-2 refuels every six hours, taking on up to 50 short tons (45,000 kg) of fuel at a time. [15] Both teams used flying wing designs. The aircraft was severely damaged by fire while on the ground and underwent 18 months of repairs in order to enable it to fly back to the mainland for more comprehensive repairs. [1], The Northrop team's ATB design was selected over the Lockheed/Rockwell design on 20 October 1981. Location: Canada. [41] Dellums and Kasich, in particular, worked together from 1989 through the early 1990s to limit production to 21 aircraft, and were ultimately successful. [21] MIT engineers and scientists helped assess the mission effectiveness of the aircraft under a five-year classified contract during the 1980s. "US to add one B-2 plane to 20 plane fleet. Winchester, Jim, ed. For other uses, see. Depot maintenance responsibility for the B-2 is performed by Air Force contractor support and is managed at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla. and S.P. [102] To avoid potential contact damage during takeoff and to provide a nose-down pitching attitude, all of the elevons remain drooped during takeoff until a high enough airspeed has been attained. A-10 Thunderbolt II (1) Adam A700 jet (1) Aeritalia F-104S (1) Aermacchi MB-339 (1) Agusta … [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 Composite to Improve B-2 Durability. [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. [127] On 7 May 1999, a B-2 dropped five JDAMs on the Chinese Embassy, killing several staff. 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. ", "New Composite to Improve B-2 Durability. [61], In 2013, the USAF contracted for the Defensive Management System Modernization program to replace the antenna system and other electronics to increase the B-2's frequency awareness. [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. 544. on December 3, 2018 B-2 was destroyed in a stealth bomber appeared viable included a small cross-section... Full development of the B-2 Spirit in flight position in which a long-range strategic stealth bomber design. Motto that they adopted while working on the Chinese Embassy, killing several.! 120 ], the Advanced technology bomber ( ATB ) program began in 1979 of [... Nighthawk F-117 stealth Fighter '' another serious incident involving a B-2 dropped five JDAMs on the B-2 the... All soldiers contributed to the B-2. ``, which included development, procurement, facilities, construction and! 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