Northrop B-2 Spirit in Palmdale

The Northrop B-2 Spirit is a high-subsonic, strategic stealth bomber designed for deep-penetration strikes.

Featuring a low radar cross-section, the B-2 achieves its stealth capabilities through passive stealth technology, including its composite materials, radar-absorbent coatings, and smooth flying-wing design.

Powerplant: 4 × General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines
Top Speed: 630 mph (1,010 km/h, Mach 0.95)
Range: 6,000 nmi (11,000 km), extendable via refueling
Payload: 40,000 lbs of ordnance, including:
B61/B83 nuclear bombs
JDAM precision-guided bombs
Bunker-busting munitions (GBU-57A/B MOP)
Crew: 2 pilots
Avionics: Advanced fly-by-wire controls, defensive countermeasures, synthetic aperture radar

The B-2 first entered service in 1997, and remains the only flying-wing bomber in active duty.

It played key roles in operations like Allied Force (1999), Enduring Freedom (2001), and Iraqi Freedom (2003).

Despite its age, the B-2 is set to be gradually replaced by the upcoming B-21 Raider in the 2030s.