How to Identify the B-2 Stealth Bomber

John Northrop found few who believed in his visionary flying-wing design a half-century ago, but his genius has been vindicated by the Northrop Grumman B-2 "Spirit," the United States' first stealth-technology strategic bomber.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Film
• Cameras
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Binoculars
• Computers
• Camcorders
• Digital Cameras
• Camera Lenses
• SLR Camera
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Tripod
• Air & Space Subscriptions
• Aviation Illustrated Magazine
• Flying Magazines
• Aviation History Subscription

1. Look for a "flying wing." The B-2 has no fuselage nor any vertical stabilizers protruding above the wing.

2. Look for a large aircraft. The B-2 has a 172-foot wingspan and is 69 feet long. It is, sruprisingly, only 17 feet tall.

3. Note that the "flying wing" has been designed in a swept-back configuration.

4. Check the remarkable design of the rear portion of the wing. It's comprised entirely of sharp angles.

5. Note the relatively small bulge of the cockpit, with a minimal number of windows, near the midpoint of the wing.

6. Check the landing gear. The B-2 is supported by nose gear and two sets of main gear.

7. Note that it's difficult to locate the B-2's engines. They are embedded deep within the wing to lower their heat signature.

8. Note also that the exhausts for the four engines are unconventional. They are flat and located near the trailing edge of the wing.

9. Watch for the near-constant movement of computer-driven control surfaces along the trailing edge of the "flying wing."

10. Watch the B-2's takeoffs and landings. Small auxiliary turbine generators extend upward from the rear wing surface.

11. Remember, you'll probably see the B-2 only as it takes off or lands. The Spirit operates primarily at night and at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet.

Tips & Warnings

• "Stealth Bomber," a popular term coined by the media, relates to the B-2's ability to avoid detection. The U.S. Air Force has named the B-2 the "Spirit."
• John Northrop, the legendary designer behind the original "flying wings," was offered a private viewing of the top-secret project in its early stages. He died shortly thereafter.
• The B-2 Spirit can be launched on a mission at a gross takeoff weight of 336,500 pounds, more than 40,000 pounds of which will be weapons.
• The B-2 is operated by a crew of two using sophisticated fly-by-wire technology. In comparison, a World War II-era B-17 required a crew of 10 to deliver a small fraction of a B-2's bomb load.
• The U.S. Air Force believes two fully armed Stealth B-2s can accomplish a mission that would require 75 conventional aircraft.
• Only nine B-2s are operational presently. Another twelve have been delivered to the USAF and are being prepared for active service.
• Presently the only operational base for the B-2 is Whiteman AFB in Missouri. Keep an eye out for notices that a Stealth Bomber might be on display at an air show near your home.
• Remember the B-2 is the United States' latest technology. Security surrounding the aircraft will be extremely strict.