The Northrop B-2 (Spirit) is an American multi-role stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. Along with the B-52 and B-1B, the B-2 provides the penetrating flexibility and effectiveness inherent in manned bombers. Its low-observable, or 'stealth,' characteristics give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defences and threaten its most-valued, and heavily defended, targets. The B-2 has a crew of two pilots, an aircraft commander in the left seat and mission commander in the right, compared to the B-1B's crew of four and the B-52's crew of five. The B-2 is powered by four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines.
The B-2 carries all its weapons internally and is fitted with two separate weapons bays in the central section of the aircraft body. The B-2 has the capacity to carry up to 40,000 lb of weapons, including conventional and nuclear weapons, precision guided munitions, gravity bombs and a range of maritime weapons. Each weapons bay is equipped with a rotary launcher and two bomb rack assemblies capable of carrying the B-61 and B-83 nuclear and Mk 84 conventional bombs from the rotary rocket launcher, and Mk-82 and CBU-87 conventional weapons from the bomb rack assemblies. The B-2 can also carry the AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile. The aircraft is fitted with a GATS/GAM weapon system which consists of a GPS-Aided Targeting System (GATS), used with the GPS-Aided Munition (GAM), developed by Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. Sixteen satellite-guided JDAM missiles can be carried. The aircraft is also intended to be fitted with the JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon) and Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) when these enter service. Research B-2
The Martin Matador (USAF designation B-61) was an American medium range tactical guided missile and pilotless bomber developed during 1951. In 1954 the B-61 was deployed in West Germany. Originally claimed as a ground-launched missile, it appears the B-61 was later carried for air launched by the NorthropB-2stealth bomber. Research B-61
The Brantly Model 305 was an American five-seater light helicopter based upon the Brantly Model B-2, but larger. The Brantly Model 305 first flew in 1964 and was powered by a Lycoming IVO-540-A1A six-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine providing a top speed of 193 kmh and a range of 322 km. Research Brantly Model 305
The Brantly Model B-2 (YHO-3) was an American two-seater light helicopter first flown as a prototype in 1953, the second prototype being flown in 1956. The Brantly Model B-2 was powered by a Lycoming VO-360-A1A four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine providing a top speed of 161 kmh and a range of 480 km. A modified version, the Brantly Model B-2B took over in 1963 with a fuel-injection engine and a reduced range of 400 km. Research Brantly Model B-2
The Neiva B-2 Monitor is a Brazilian two-seat medium performance sailplane aircraft. The Neiva B-2 is a braced high-wing monoplane of wooden construction that seats two in tandem and has a maximum safe speed of 145 kmh, and a maximum gliding speed of 67 kmh. Research Neiva B-2
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research B-2
