Quantcast

US Air Force maintains aging B-2 Spirit fleet amid new developments

US Air Force maintains aging B-2 Spirit fleet amid new developments
Policy
Webp b2spirit
US Air Force B-2 Spirit | Wikipedia

The United States Air Force (USAF) continues to operate the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, a fifth-generation heavy bomber. Officially, 20 B-2 Spirits are listed as active, though only about 16 are deployable at any given time. The fleet was reduced after production ceased following the Cold War's end, with costs reaching $1.1 billion per aircraft in 1998 dollars.

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) manages these bombers, capable of missions worldwide due to their aerial refueling ability and an unrefueled range of 6,000 nautical miles. AFGSC maintains readiness for both conventional strikes and nuclear deterrence.

In 2008, a B-2 crash occurred in Guam due to a water-inundated sensor failure during takeoff. Major Ryan Link and Captain Justin Grieve ejected safely before the aircraft crashed. The incident highlighted the sensitivity of the B-2's components and its maintenance challenges.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The average age of the B-2 fleet is nearly 29 years as of 2025. Maintenance cycles have been streamlined but remain costly due to the aircraft's pioneering technology.

The USAF plans to replace the B-2 with the B-21 Raider, designed for similar roles but with reduced operating costs. The B-21 is being developed by Northrop Grumman alongside other aerospace companies under strict supervision from USAF leadership.

Meanwhile, China has been developing stealth aircraft like the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50. Bryan Clark from Hudson Institute commented on these developments: "The tailless design is intended to be stealthy and the delta-wing design is intended to give it long-range."

Despite new developments, existing bombers like the Boeing B-52 continue service upgrades as they await replacement by newer models like the B-21 Raider.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Air New Zealand has launched Dream Seats, a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting New Zealanders in pursuing their dreams.

Jul 8, 2025

Flying Food Group's Honolulu facility marked the Fourth of July with a special lunch for its employees.

Jul 8, 2025

Flying Food Group's Seattle facility recently held a special lunch to celebrate the 4th of July and honor its employees.

Jul 8, 2025

The US LAV Team recently held a picnic celebration on the 4th of July.

Jul 8, 2025

Last Friday, the Flying Food Group SFO facility marked Independence Day with a team celebration.

Jul 8, 2025

Flying Food Group's MCO facility recently held a celebration for the 4th of July.

Jul 8, 2025