Why are B-2 bombers shaped like that?

The ‘flying wing’ shaped Stealth Bomber (nicknamed ‘Spirit’) is a unique aircraft that’s designed to make it as invisible as possible. Its shape means there are very few leading edges for radar to reflect from, reducing its signature dramatically.

What is the B-2 bomber design inspiration?

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, allegedly for political reasons. The resemblance goes as far as B-2 and YB-49 having the same wingspan. The YB-49 also had a small radar cross-section.

What is the wingspan of a AB 2 bomber?

172′ 0″
Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit/Wingspan

Is the B2 bomber silent?

But unlike a passenger jet or B-52, the B-2’s engines are buried inside the plane. This helps muffle the noise. The efficient aerodynamic design helps keep the B-2 quiet as well, because the engines can operate at lower power settings. The engine system also works to minimize the plane’s infrared (heat) signature.

What bird is the stealth bomber designed after?

Birds have long been the inspiration for humans when designing airplanes. Here the fast flying falcon may have influenced the design of the swift B2 bomber.

How fast is the B 2 bomber?

628 mph
Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit/Top speed

How many engines does the B 2 bomber have?

four
The bomber is flown by a crew of two, the pilot and the mission commander. Power is provided by four turbofan engines.

How big is the radar cross section of a B-2 bomber?

Reportedly, the B-2 has a radar cross-section (RCS) of about 0.1 m 2 (1.1 sq ft). The bomber does not always fly stealthily; when nearing air defenses pilots “stealth up” the B-2, a maneuver whose details are secret.

Why is Northrop Grumman modernising the B-2 bomber?

Northrop Grumman, the B-2’s prime contractor, leads an industry team that is working on modernising the B-2 bomber. This is done to ensure that craft remains fully mission capable against evolving worldwide threats.

Why was the B-2 bomber so effective?

The B-2 provides the penetrating flexibility and effectiveness inherent in manned bombers. Its low-observable characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets.

Where is the B-2 bomber base?

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.