Historical background
The birth of the world’s most mysterious bomber
The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is an American stealth strategic bomber developed in response to increasingly advanced Soviet radar systems. Work on the program began in 1981, and the aircraft’s first flight took place in 1989.
More than 130 aircraft were originally planned, but the end of the Cold War and enormous production costs reduced the fleet to just 21 units. With a price tag exceeding $2 billion per aircraft, the B-2 became the most expensive aircraft in history.
Thanks to stealth technology and global range, the B-2 has remained a key part of American strategic deterrence for decades, taking part in operations from Kosovo and Afghanistan to Iraq and beyond.
- Strategic stealth bomber in iconic flying wing configuration.
- First flight in 1989 after the program began in 1981.
- Only 21 aircraft produced despite much larger original plans.
- Still one of the most recognizable symbols of modern air dominance.
U.S. Air Force photo (Public Domain)