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 the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, B-2 bombers flew the longest bombing mission to date to attack targets in Afghanistan. The mission lasted from October 7 thru October 8. The mission duration was 44 hours and 20 minutes.
On June 22, 2025, seven B-2s bombed nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran; the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center.
This artwork is my depiction of Spirit of America in flight at night.