B-2 Spirit
Nicknamed "Stealth Bomber"
Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Production Period: 1993 to 1997
Number Produced: 21
Production Series: Production Blocks 10, 20, and 30
Roles: Originally designed as a land-based all-weather intercontinental heavy-bomber for the US Air Force for nuclear weapons delivery, able to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses with its low-observable (stealth) characteristics for the Cold War; later modified to also deliver conventional and guided weapons.
Performance and Specifications
(Figures given are for the B-2A model)
Maximum Speed: 680 mph (high subsonic)
Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet above sea level
Range: 6,000 miles (unlimited with aerial refueling)
Weapons: Upwards of 50,000 lbs. of conventional, guided and nuclear weapons can be carried.
Crew: Two pilots
Length: 69 feet
Wingspan: 172 feet
Height: 17 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 375,000 lbs.
Powerplant: Four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines providing 19,000 lbs. of thrust each
Achievements: Largest "stealth" aircraft; largest "flying wing" aircraft; considered the most survivable aircraft in the world; most expensive aircraft at $2 billion each
Note: The B-2's low-observability or stealth is derived not just from a reduced radar "picture," but also from a unique combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic and visual "pictures."
Marker can be reached from East Avenue P, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
