How to Draw a B-2 Stealth Bomber

The black paint of a B2 stealth bomber is designed to avoid radar detection.

B2 stealth bombers feature the latest in aviation and stealth technology. They have radar-absorbing paint, and two internally mounted engines with special exhaust cooling to minimize heat signatures. its unique wing construction gives this airplane a distinctive profile that is instantly recognizable. It can be refueled in flight and reach any point in the world within hours, carrying a maximum of about 40,000 pounds of bombs. Drawing the B2 Stealth bomber is an interesting exercise in shading, as it is painted entirely black.

Things You'll Need

• Reference images
• Ruler
• Drawing paper
• Pencil
• Eraser

Instructions

1. Assemble some images of the B2 stealth bomber that you can use to create the drawing. Study the profile of the airplane and how you will create depth on its matte black surface area. Choose an image that shows the profile of the wings, such as an image taken from above a bomber in flight.

2. Draw the arrowhead shape of the airplane. Use a large plus sign as a set of guidelines to create the proper proportion of the wings. Angle the vertical line of the plus sign so that it matches the pitch of the bomber in order to get the right perspective.

3. Draw the outline at the back of the bomber by marking out the familiar B-2 bomber wing-shape. Draw a large W with three points in the middle. Note how this resembles a small W within the larger

   one. make sure that the lines and points correspond exactly with the lines on the reference image. Use the ruler to make straight accurate lines.

4. Outline the cockpit of the bomber and indicate the shape of the windows at the front. Draw lines to indicate the location of the engines, which are built into the wings behind the cockpit. Draw only one engine if the other is not visible in the image at that angle. Draw the wing flaps on the ends of the wings as they are in the image. Make sure all your lines are clean and in the right perspective.

5. Shade the darker areas of the bomber. Look carefully at the image to find these. Continue shading any shadows and use dark lines to define areas of detail. Shade the windows darker than the rest of the plane.

6. Blend the shading into lighter areas on the bomber using a chamois. Rub the chamois along the length of the bomber in straight lines. Continue shading until you achieve a realistic level of depth for the bomber.

7. Create highlights with light strokes with the eraser and clean up the outline of the plane to finish the drawing.

References

• Drago Art: How to Draw a Stealth Bomber, Step by Step
• Airforce Technology: The B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, USA