B-2 Spirit

B-2 Spirit. Nicknamed "Stealth Bomber". , Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Corporation , Production Period: 1993 to 1997 , Number Produced: 21 , Production Series: Production Blocks 10, 20, and 30, Roles: Originally designed as a land-based all-weather intercontinental heavy-bomber for the US Air Force for nuclear weapons delivery, able to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses with its low-observable (stealth) characteristics for the Cold War; later modified to also deliver conventional and guided weapons., Performance and Specifications , (Figures given are for the B-2A model). Maximum Speed: 680 mph (high subsonic) , Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet above sea level , Range: 6,000 miles (unlimited with aerial refueling) , Weapons: Upwards of 50,000 lbs. of conventional, guided and nuclear weapons can be carried. , Crew: Two pilots , Length: 69 feet , Wingspan: 172 feet , Height: 17 feet , Maximum Takeoff Weight: 375,000 lbs. , Powerplant: Four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines providing 19,000 lbs. of thrust each , Achievements: Largest "stealth" aircraft; largest "flying wing" aircraft; considered the most survivable aircraft in the world; most expensive aircraft at $2 billion each, Note: The B-2's low-observability or stealth is derived not just from a reduced radar "picture," but also from a unique combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic and visual "pictures."