Northrop B-2 Spirit

The B-2 Spirit is a stealth strategic bomber built by Northrop (later Northrop Grumman) for the U.S. Air Force. It made its first flight on July 17, 1989. The aircraft's distinctive flying-wing shape, with no conventional fuselage or tail, was reminiscent of earlier flying-wing designs and recalled the giant Convair B-36 in its smooth, all-wing appearance.

The B-2 was designed around low-observable, or stealth, technology, using its shape and special materials to make it extremely difficult to detect by radar. This allowed it to penetrate sophisticated air defenses and strike heavily defended targets. The bomber could carry a heavy payload, capable of delivering many tons of conventional or nuclear ordnance.

Because of its enormous cost and advanced technology, only a small number of B-2s were built. The aircraft became one of the most capable and recognizable elements of the U.S. strategic bomber force, used in several major military operations to deliver precision strikes deep inside hostile territory.