Palmdale in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
B-2 Spirit
Nicknamed "Stealth Bomber"
| | General Information | |
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, May 28, 2010
1. B-2 Spirit Marker
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.
(Figures given are for the B-2A model)
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
this page online
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."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1993.
Location. 34° 36.171′ N, 118° 5.226′ W. Marker is in Palmdale, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from East Avenue P, on the left when traveling east. Aircraft at the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2001 East Avenue P, Palmdale CA 93550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the High Desert, and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: F-86 (here, next to this marker); Stanley P Butchart 1928 - 2008 / C-140 Jetstar (here, next to this marker); James J. Stegman 1920 - 2009 / A-4C Skyhawk (here, next to this marker); A-4AR Cockpit Trainer (within shouting distance of this marker); MK-20 Rockeye Cluster Bomb Unit (within shouting distance of this marker); Wright J65 Turbojet Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); F-101 Voodoo Escort Fighter (within shouting distance of this marker); William J. "Pete" Knight (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palmdale.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, May 28, 2010
2. B-2 Spirit Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, May 28, 2010
3. B-2 Spirit - Stealth Bomber
4. B-2 Spirit Takeoff in Palmdale
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,088 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 4. submitted on July 6, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
