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B-2 Spirit A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit flying over the Pacific Ocean in 2016 General information Type Stealth strategic heavy bomber National origin United States Manufacturer Northrop Corporation Northrop Grumman Status In service Primary user United States Air Force Number built 21 History Manufactured 1987–2000 Introduction date 1 January 1997 First flight 17 July 1989 ; 35 years ago ...
Hal Markarian (1929 — 2012) was an Armenian American aircraft designer who is known for implementing the initial designs of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. He produced a sketch that was the inspiration for the modern B-2 Spirit. [1] Today's B-2 Spirit incorporates much of Markarian's design.
The F118 is a non-afterburning derivative of the F110 specially developed for the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. A single stage HP turbine drives the 9 stage HP compressor, while a 2-stage LP turbine drives the 3 stage fan. The combustor is annular. In 1998, the USAF's Lockheed U-2S fleet was fitted with a modified version of the F118. [1]
Stealth aircraft are typically more expensive to develop and manufacture. An example is the B-2 Spirit that is many times more expensive to manufacture and support than conventional bomber aircraft. The B-2 program cost the U.S. Air Force almost $45 billion. [24]
A B-2 Spirit dropping Mk82 bombs into the Pacific Ocean in a 1994 training exercise off Point Mugu, California.. With a nominal weight of 500 lb (230 kg), it is one of the smallest bombs in current service, and one of the most common air-dropped weapons in the world.
It is intended that the bomb will be deployed on the B-2 Spirit, and will be guided using GPS. [6] [7] It is also planned to be deployed on the B-21 Raider. [8] In July 2007, Northrop Grumman announced a $2.5-million stealth-bomber refit contract. Each of the U.S. Air Force's B-2s is to be able to carry two 14-ton MOPs. [9] [10]
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In October 2012 a RQ-170 was used to conduct bomb damage assessment for a test drop of a Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb from a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. [28] The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron was established on 1 April 2015. While the USAF did not disclose what aircraft the unit was equipped with, it has been reported that it ...