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Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is a U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is a U.S. Air Force long-range, low-observable strategic bomber designed to deliver conventional and nuclear weapons. Its flying-wing design and stealth features are intended to reduce detection by radar and other sensors. The aircraft entered service in 1997 and remains a key component of the U.S. bomber fleet.

Design and role

The B-2 Spirit is a flying-wing bomber built for long-range strike missions. It is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons while minimizing detectability by air-defence systems. The aircraft has a two-person crew and four General Electric F118-GE-100 engines.

Stealth characteristics

The aircraft’s low observability is based on reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual, and radar signatures. Composite materials, special coatings, and its shape all contribute to its stealth profile. The B-2 was designed to penetrate sophisticated air defences and conduct long-range strike missions.

Performance and dimensions

Official specifications list a high subsonic top speed, a combat ceiling of 50,000 feet, and a range of 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling. With one refuelling, the range extends to 10,000 nautical miles. The aircraft measures 69 feet long with a 172-foot wingspan.

Service history

The B-2 first flew in 1989 and entered initial operational capability in 1997. It has remained a small, high-value fleet in U.S. Air Force service. The Air Force inventory listed 20 active B-2 aircraft and 1 test aircraft in its fact sheet.

Key facts

  • The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of carrying conventional and nuclear munitions.
  • Its low observability comes from its flying-wing shape, reduced signatures, special coatings, and composite materials.
  • The aircraft has four General Electric F118-GE-100 engines and a two-person crew.
  • The U.S. Air Force lists its speed as high subsonic and its combat ceiling as 50,000 feet.
  • The Air Force inventory listed 20 active B-2 aircraft and 1 test aircraft in its fact sheet.
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Canadian context

The B-2 is relevant to Canadian readers as a major example of U.S. strategic bomber technology and North American aerospace manufacturing, with implications for continental air defence and NORAD-related security discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the B-2 bomber?
The B-2 Spirit is a U.S. Air Force long-range stealth bomber designed to carry conventional and nuclear weapons.
How much does a B-2 bomber cost?
The U.S. Air Force fact sheet lists a unit cost of about US$1.157 billion in fiscal 1998 constant dollars; later reporting often describes the aircraft as costing more than US$2 billion each.
How many B-2 bombers are there?
The Air Force fact sheet lists 20 active aircraft and 1 test aircraft, for 21 total aircraft in that inventory count.
Can the B-2 bomber be detected?
The B-2 is designed to be difficult to detect, track, and engage because of its low-observable features, but it is not invisible.
How fast is the B-2 bomber?
The B-2’s top speed is listed as high subsonic, meaning it flies below the speed of sound.
What is the B-2 bomber made of?
According to Air Force sources, it uses composite materials and special coatings along with its flying-wing design; detailed materials and coating methods are partly classified.

References

  1. U.S. Air Force — https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104482/b-2-spirit/
    Supports: Mission, stealth characteristics, specifications, unit cost, and inventory count.
  2. Northrop Grumman — https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/aircraft/b-2-stealth-bomber/technical-details
    Supports: Type, crew, speed, range, dimensions, and payload.
  3. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force — https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195832/northrop-b-2-spirit/
    Supports: Flying-wing design, composite materials, special coatings, and stealth role.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/B-2
    Supports: General description as a U.S. long-range stealth bomber and flying-wing aircraft.