B-2 Spirit: Inside America's mysterious stealth bomber

Key displays include the Vertical Situation Display (VSD) for fundamental flying data and the Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) for mission data and flight path information. The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), data networks, communication systems, and fly-by-wire avionics are critical components of the aircraft.

The B-2 plays a vital role in military operations. During NATO’s Operation Allied Force, it destroyed 33% of all targets within eight weeks of the Kosovo Air Campaign despite flying less than 1% of total sorties. Its heavy automation allows for simple flying while ensuring pilot endurance during long missions.

Captain Chris “Thunder” Beck shared his experience: “After you do a few long-duration flights, anything under twenty hours doesn’t seem like a big deal.” Despite being part of the smallest bomber force in the US Air Force’s Global Strike Command, the B-2 conducts high-profile missions.

First deployed in 1997, only 21 B-2A Spirits were made at over $2 billion each. After losing one in a crash in 2008 and another severely damaged in 2022, only 19 remain today.

With its capability to refuel mid-flight, the B-2 has an almost limitless range but limited landing options outside mainland US due to security reasons. Notably, it launched a historic 44-hour mission after September 11 attacks as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Former pilot Mel Deaile recounted his mission involving multiple air refuelings en route to Afghanistan post-9/11: “We had to 'go around,' giving us a 15-minute aerial tour since there was an issue with another aircraft.”

The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider aims to enhance multi-mission flexibility further by being optionally manned. This development addresses risks associated with losing aircrews or valuable equipment during operations.

Overall intelligence gathering remains crucial for stealth bombers like the B-2 Spirit as they support ground troops through kinetic strikes while collecting vital battlefield information without detection.