Changes

==Features==

==Features==

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. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provides a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the 21st century.

Along with the [[B-52 Stratofortress|B-52]] and [[B-1B Lancer|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. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provides a strong, effective deterrent and combat force well into the 21st century.

The revolutionary blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its low-observability provides it greater freedom of action at high altitudes,  

The revolutionary blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its low-observability provides it greater freedom of action at high altitudes, thus increasing its range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors. Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9,600 kilometers).

 

thus increasing its range and a better field of view for the aircraft's sensors. Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9,600 kilometers).

The B-2's low observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2.  

The B-2's low observability is derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. These signatures make it difficult for the sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track and engage the B-2.  

The first B-2 was publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, Calif. Its first flight was July 17, 1989. The B-2 Combined Test Force, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft on the B-2.Whiteman AFB, Mo., is the only operational base for the B-2. The first aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered Dec. 17, 1993. 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.

The first B-2 was publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, Calif. Its first flight was July 17, 1989. The B-2 Combined Test Force, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft on the B-2.Whiteman AFB, Mo., is the only operational base for the B-2. The first aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered Dec. 17, 1993. 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.

The combat effectiveness of the B-2 was proved in Operation Allied Force, where it was responsible for destroying 33 percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks, by flying nonstop to Kosovo from its home base in Missouri and back.  

The combat effectiveness of the B-2 was proved in [[Kosovo War|Operation Allied Force]], where it was responsible for destroying 33 percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks, by flying nonstop to Kosovo from its home base in [[Missouri]] and back.  

In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the B-2 flew one of its longest missions to date from Whiteman to Afghanistan and back. The B-2 completed its first-ever combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying 22 sorties from a forward operating location as well as 27 sorties from Whiteman AFB and releasing more than 1.5 million pounds of munitions. The B-2's proven combat performance led to declaration of full operational capability in December 2003.

In support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], the B-2 flew one of its longest missions to date from Whiteman to [[Afghanistan]] and back. The B-2 completed its first-ever combat deployment in support of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], flying 22 sorties from the island of [[Diego Garcia]] in the Indian Ocean as well as 27 sorties from Whiteman AFB and releasing more than 1.5 million pounds of munitions. The B-2's proven combat performance led to declaration of full operational capability in December 2003.

The prime contractor, responsible for overall system design and integration, is Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Sector. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group, General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., are key members of the aircraft contractor team. <ref>[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=82&page=1 U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet], Accessed 02/23/2008</ref>

The prime contractor, responsible for overall system design and integration, is Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Sector. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group, General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., are key members of the aircraft contractor team. <ref>[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=82&page=1 U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet], Accessed 02/23/2008</ref>

== Facts ==

== Facts ==

[[Image:Bomberb-2.jpg‎ |250px|thumb|right|B-2 Spirit flies over the St. Louis Arch]]  

[[Image:Bomberb-2.jpg‎ |250px|thumb|right|B-2 Spirit flies over the St. Louis Arch]]  

*The B-2 was deployed for the first time during the [[Iraq War]] in March / April 2003.<ref name="Howstuff" />

*The B-2 was forward-deployed for the first time during the [[Iraq War]] in March / April 2003.<ref name="Howstuff" />

* [[Jack Northrop]], one of the leading designer of the B-2 bomber, also help design the [[Spirit of St. Louis]].<ref name="Centennial" />

* [[Jack Northrop]], one of the leading designer of the B-2 bomber, also help design the [[Spirit of St. Louis]].<ref name="Centennial" />

* The B-2 bombers range and speed, make it capable of flying anywhere around the world in hours

* The B-2 bombers range and speed, make it capable of flying anywhere around the world in hours

* The B-2 has such radar sensitive materials that the planes must be kept in special dust-proof hangars at certain temperatures

* The B-2 has such radar sensitive materials that the planes must be kept in special dust-proof hangars at certain temperatures

==References==

==References==