B-2 SPIRIT - STEALTH BOMBER

Historical Note:          Unbeatable museum quality best describes our handcrafted B-2 Spirit model airplane. After passing through the hands of master craftsmen, the parts are sanded and primed many times. Talented artists then paint on the intricate details with great accuracy. A final coat of clear lacquer protects the B-2 Spirit model and gives it a glossy finish. The B-2 Spirit model airplane comes with a handsome mahogany-based chrome pedestal, and to ensure that it is ready for delivery, it undergoes various stages of quality control before being placed in its box. The B-2 Spirit model airplane is perfect as an addition to a growing collection or as an exquisite gift to a loved one.

Scale:    1:100
W/S:      20.6     inches, 
Lgth:      8.3    inches

Item Number:    TMC-CB2                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Price:    $169.95

Quantity to Order:

 

Historical Note Cont'd:         The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, or also known as “Stealth Bomber” is a multi-role stealth heavy bomber, capable of deploying both conventional and nuclear weapons. The first B-2 was publicly displayed on November 22, 1988, when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, California. The B-2 had its first flight on July 17, 1989 and first introduced in April 1997. The B-2 Combined Test Force, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, is responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft on the B-2.

Its low-observable, or "stealth," characteristics give it the ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and attack its most heavily defended targets. The B-2's stealth comes from a combination of reduced acoustic, infrared, visual and radar signatures, making it difficult for defenses to detect, track and engage. Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified; however, the B-2's composite materials, special coatings and flying wing design contribute to its stealth abilities. The B-2 uses radar absorbent material and coatings that have required climate-controlled hangars for maintenance.

As of June 2002, the 21 B-2s had only a 42 percent mission-capable rate, meaning just eight or so planes were ready to perform at least one of their assigned operational missions. Inability to meet stealth requirements is the single greatest driver for the low B-2 readiness rates. The aircraft's composite skin needs time-consuming repairs before it can meet standards. Were low-observability requirements not a factor, the plane would remain relatively ready, boasting a rate closer to 80 percent mission-capable.

The B-2 is still in active service and is considered the most survivable aircraft ever built.