B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

As we look back our history, we have observed that there are various wars taking place amongst nations because of some reasons. One of these reasons might be terrorism attacks, just like what happened in 9/11 or territorial disagreements. And because of this perilous condition, governments that are under attacks really spend millions of dollars and look for means in order to invent a long-range strike aircraft to make sure that they will not be defeated in the combat and to secure the safety of its citizenry. But is it worth it? Is it right that our government spends bigger budget for the innovation of these combat aircrafts?

It is believed that an innovative, long-range bomber force is significant for the security of the long-range national security of America. The current assessment shows that there is a specific amount of money that is intended for the combat aircraft. And for every dollar added and spent for the aircraft acquisition, the amount was taken from the fighter program. Every year, the government of United States of America spends $ 3 billion for the peacekeeping (see Spencer, Jack. “Achieving Balance in America’s Long-Range Strike Aircraft Capabilities”).

This scenario would only shows that our government is spending a lot of money for our safety as citizens of the United States of America. In addition, our government allocates its own budget, funds from fighter program, for the innovation of B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. One of these high-tech stealth aircrafts is the B-2 Spirit Bomber. The B-2 Spirit, created by the Northrop Grunman, is a multi-role stealth aircraft or a fighter plane that is capable of dropping conventional and nuclear munitions. The B-2 is very costly and expensive plane compared to any fighter plane.

It was estimated that the costs of each aircraft will range from USD 1. 157 billion up to USD 2. 2 billion. The stealth technology was invented in order to help the aircraft infiltrate defense force previously impassable by combat aircraft. During the last part of 1980s, the innovative procurement of 135 combat aircraft was subsequently reduced. President George H. W. Bush, during in his 1992 State of the Union speech, promulgated that the total B-2 production will be reduced to 20 aircraft but subsequently added 1 by “refurbishing a test aircraft” (see “B-2 Spirit”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

November 16, 2006). This would mean that the government of United States of America is anticipating any attack because it is preparing innovative stealth aircraft. The intents of this paper are to: (1) understand what B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber really is; (2) know about its mission and; (3) learn about the benefits of stealth aircraft designs. II. Background A. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers As mentioned earlier that B-2 spirit stealth bomber is capable of dropping conventional and nuclear weapons. Its stealth has the capacity to infiltrate the enemy’s most high-tech and advanced defenses.

Moreover, Northrop Grumman is the first and major contractor for the US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber. The B-2 is characterized as “low-observable, strategic, long-range, heavy bomber” that is able to infiltrate advanced defenses. It is able and efficient of “all-altitude” attack missions. Its distinct profile originates from the distinctive ‘flying wing’ construction (see “B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, USA”). Its capacity to infiltrate air defenses and threaten efficient retaliation gives an efficient deterrent during the 21st century.

The B-2 development program was started in 1981and the Air force was approved in 1987 to start obtaining of 132 operational b-2 aircraft, mainly for strategic and planned bombing missions. With the downfall of the Soviet Union, the operational emphasis of B-2 development was altered to conventional operations and the quantity was decreased to 20 operational aircraft and later added one more which served as test aircraft. In November 22, 1988, the first B-2 spirit stealth bomber was publicly exhibited when it rolled out at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, California. The initial flight took place in 1989 of July 17.

Moreover, the B-2’s sole operational base is the Whiteman AFB, Mo. The Spirit of Missouri, the first aircraft, was produced in 1993 of December 17. The Air Force contractor support is responsible for depot maintenance of the B-2 and is supervised at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla. The major contractor, which is responsible for every system design and integration, is the Aircraft Systems Division of Northrop Grumman. The General Electric Aircraft Engine, Hughes Radar Systems group and Boeing Military Airplanes Co. are the prime members of the aircraft contractor team.

In addition, Hughes Training Inc. (HTI) is another prime contractor that is liable for aircrew training devices while Link Flight Simulation Corp. Northrop Grumman and its main subcontractor are liable for advancing and incorporating all maintenance training and aircrew programs (see “B-2 Spirit’. November 30, 1999). III. Discussion The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is very good in beating an air defense of the enemy. The B-2 is able to fly higher than 6,000 nautical miles before fueling again- higher than 10,000 miles in one refueling- as it carries 40,000 pounds of weapons.

This remarkable and incredible ability of B-2 provides aircraft the capability to fly on anyplace in the globe and transport a variety of munitions not more than 24 hours. Basically, the B-2’s design can be tracked down back to the “flying wing designs” of Jack Northrop in 1940s. The integrated computer systems of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber include more than 130 computers and approximately estimated up to “2 million lines of software code”. The B-2’s stealth would mean that the aircraft does not require an armada of support aircraft in order to achieve a mission (see “United States Air force”.

2003). A. Its mission The B-2 Spirit “is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions”. An intense increase in technology, the bomber exemplifies a major indicator and an achievement in the U. S. bomber innovation program. The B-2 produces “massive firepower” to display, in awhile, anyplace on the world that is impassable defenses (see “B-2 Spirit”. June 2006). B. Benefits of stealth aircraft designs Stealth craft has been made to “absorb and deflect radar”- through stealth technology.

These are not totally indistinguishable to radar; they are merely difficult to notice than conventional technology. Generally, the objective is to let a stealth aircraft to carry out its attack “while still outside the ability of the opposing system’s detection” (see “Stealth Aircraft”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. November 4, 2006). In other words, the design of stealth bomber is capable in attacking an enemy’s defense without its system’s awareness. Stealth aircraft designs have several benefits but only two are enlisted below and these are as follows:

?Raids on significant point targets, at the same time maintain a cover of plausible denial. Since the attack could not be identified, the stealth operator would basically refuse to say something and hope to keep away from war (see “Benefits of stealth aircraft designs”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. November 14 2006). This would mean that stealth operator is trying to control the situation by not saying anything in order to avoid war. ? “Stationing stealth aircraft in a friendly country is a powerful diplomatic gesture.

It emphasizes close relations between the allies and expresses high confidence in their governments and competence of security services, as stealth planes incorporate high technology and military secrets. The USA has stationed squadrons of F-117 Nighthawks in Britain” (see “Benefits of stealth aircraft designs”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. November 14 2006). In other words that if the stealth aircraft is stationed to a particular country, an ally country, it develops a good relationship amongst allies and shows trust in its government’s governance. IV. Conclusion

The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber is a great help in our combatants. It is an advanced technology that totally helps the combatants to attack the enemy without any trace of detection. In 1981, the B-2 bomber started in the military’s secret-black budget. The Pentagon needed 132 planes but since there was no time anymore and the Soviet Union already failed, several members of the Congress started to be skeptical regarding the need for the B-2s. B-2 bombers are considered as the second generation stealth which was composed of carbon-graphite composites is not heavy as the aluminum but more durable than steel.

In November 22, 1988, Northrop and the Air Force rolled out the B-2 stealth Bomber in Palmdale, California. References 1. Spencer, Jack. “Achieving Balance in America’s Long-Range Strike Aircraft Capabilities”. http://www. heritage. org/Research/NationalSecurity/BG1706. cfm 2. “B-2 Spirit”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. November 16, 2006. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/B-2_Spirit 3. “B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, USA”. http://www. airforce-technology. com/projects/b2/ 4. “Benefits of stealth aircraft designs”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

November 14 2006. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Stealth_aircraft#Benefits_of_stealth_aircraft_designs 5. “B-2 Spirit’. November 30, 1999. http://www. fas. org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b-2. htm 6. “B-2 Spirit”. June 2006. http://www. af. mil/factsheets/factsheet. asp? fsID=82 7. “United States Air force”. 2003. http://www. is. northropgrumman. com/products/usaf_products/b2/b2. html 8. “Stealth Aircraft”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. November 4, 2006. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Stealth_aircraft#Benefits_of_stealth_aircraft_designs