B-2A ATB, Advanced Technology Bomber Aircraft
- Wing span: 173 Ft.
- Length: 69 ft.
- Height: 17 ft.
- Maximum Speed: Sub-Sonic
- Range: 4250-7,500 miles unrefueled
- Engine@Thrust: Four GE F118-GE-100 Turbofan engines @19,000 lbs thrust each
(est.)
- Armament: Up to 20 B61 nuclear bobms, or 16 AGM-69A SRAMs, AGM-131A
SRAM IIs,
- or B63 nuclear bombs or a combination. Or 80 500 lb conventional
bombs.
- Manufacturer: Northrup/Boeing/LTV/GE
The B-2, under a storm of controversey, has proven to been a nearly invisible stealth
aircraft, with the use of it in tests requiring a number of special radar reflectors for safety
purposes. The aircraft resembles a large flying wing, with serrated edges along the trailing
edge of the wing. The engines are mounted on top of the wings with both the inlets and the
outlets above the wing. The aircraft is designed for low-altitude, sub-sonic penetration
into enemy airspace, placing their most valued targets at risk.
It is estimated that the B-2 could penetrate Soviet Airspace and be on target before
detection. While flying at night the B-2 is virtually invisible unless it blocks out the
moon.
The controversey over hte aircraft, which was developed in total secrcy until a few years
ago, is over hte price tag (what else?). The aircraft buy is being reduced drving the per
aircraft price into the $20 billion range. Of course if no aircraft are produced, the price tag
for the prototypes is around $200 billion, due to the termination costs for the aircraft
already started.
Although not invisible to radar, the signature is estimated to be less than 10% of that of the
B-52 which it will replace. A number of B-2s in formation would be detectable though, so
it would only seem reasonable that its missions be in pairs or solo.
