The B-2 bomber’s main feature is its stealth or radar evading ability. With its ability to not be seen, it can easily destroy its enemy’s high valued and defended targets. “If the United States is angry enough, they can go anywhere in the world – you won’t even know they’re coming – to strike you,”(qtd.in Canon) says a pilot commenting on

the B-2 bomber. The B-2 has a wingspan of 172 feet but only shows up on radar as a bird or insect. The bomber can carry about 20 tons of nuclear and conventional weapons. The aircraft can fly about 6,0

During the airstrikes in Yugoslavia, the B-2 stealth bomber proved that it could fulfill the tasks set out for it, therefore proving it was an important asset to the United States. "The most expensive and controversial warplane every built, the B-2 has undergone a stunning reversal of fortune with its combat debut in the air war against Yugoslavia."(Ritcher) It proved to the United States that the government did not make a tremendous mistake when deciding to build 21 of these stealth bombers, but investing in more would be a set back because of the rapid speed of technological advances.

House defense leaders are urging the Bush administration to restart production of the B-2 bomber by adding 40 more aircrafts to the original fleet. According to Northrop, the first 21 bombers were a total of $44

its fighter force by buying more F-22s. The U.S. is in need of more fighter planes instead of stealth bombers because the U.S. is not always going to be fighting on the offensive side so therefore needs to be prepared on the defensive side.

The government has enough stealth bombers with 21, for the time being. Robert Bell, a senior director at the National Security Council, says," The administration believes that no additional B-2s are required."(Pae) The government should wait till the B-2 is improved by technological advances to buy more. Currently there are studies being conducted by Boeing to find a successor to the B-2. Studies are being conducted in advanced engines, new materials, advanced weapons, and a more affordable concept. The new bomber would operate around the year 2030.

Airstrikes started with the B-2 bombers flying in pairs from Whiteman Air Force Base to Yugoslavia, in 30-hour round-trip missions. The plan was to bomb well-protect

Some topics in this essay:
Richter Brig, Air Force, Positioning System, Yugoslavia B-2, B-2 Studies, Base Yugoslavia, Barnidge Jr, Availablehttp//wwwafmil/news/factsheets/B_2_Spirithtml B-2, Security Council, According Northrop, b-2 bomber, stealth bomber, b-2 stealth, b-2 stealth bomber, air force, whiteman air force, united government, bush administration, whiteman air, force base, stealth bombers, technological advances, air force base, radar evading ability, global positioning system,