First flying on July 17, 1989, the Northrop B-2 Spirit is a heavy strategic bomber featuring low-observable stealth technology making it difficult to detect via radar. The aircraft has a two-man crew and is easily recognized by its flying wing configuration. There were 21 aircraft built in all with 19 currently still in service as of 2025.
The B-2 can carry both conventional and nuclear bombs as well as air to surface stand-off weapons. The bomber has an unrefueled range of more than 6,000 miles, has a maximum speed of 630 MPH and can perform attack missions at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. Due to the inherent flight instability of a flying wing, the B-2 utilizes a fly-by-wire system controlled by a complex quadruplex computer which can automatically manipulate flight surfaces to maintain aircraft stability during flight.
The B-2 was first used in combat in 1999 during the war in Kosovo where it dropped conventional ordinance. The B-2 has also been used in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen.
At eh start of Operation Enduring Freedom, B-2 bombers flew the longest bombing mission to date to attack targets in Afghanistan. On the morning of October 7, 2001, the B-2 "Spirit of America", crewed by Maj. Melvin G. Deaile and Capt. Brian Neal, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and flew west to Afghanistan. The aircraft refueled five times during the flight. Most of the flight took place in daylight across the Pacific Ocean. After penetrating Afghan airspace, Spirit of America dropped 12 of their 16 JDAMs while spending about two hours over the country.
On the way out and after refueling once again, the crew was asked if they were willing to go back in to drop their remaining bombs. After agreeing to do so, the crew spent another 90 minutes over Afghanistan. After releasing four more weapons, Spirit of America headed for the island of Diego Garcia. When she finally touched down, Spirit of America had been aloft 44 hours and 20 minutes.
This artwork is my depiction of Spirit of America on her record setting mission.