Plane of the Day: B-2 Spirit

The massive B-2 Spirit is probably one of the most iconic bombers ever made. With its sleek flying wing fuselage and incredible stealth capabilities, the B-2 can carry up to 40,000 lbs of bombs and munitions and drop them deep over enemy territory undetected. It is one of the most highly advanced bombers ever made. In service with the United States Air Force, the B-2 has proven its worth time and time again in combat and peacetime.

Specifications

Country of Origin: United States

Max Speed: High Subsonic (approximately 1,010 km/h or 628 mph) 

Armament: Payload: 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg) in two internal weapons bays. Conventional Munitions: Up to 80 × 500 lb JDAM bombs, or 16 × 2,000 lb bombs. Also capable of carrying GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) "bunker buster" bombs and various cruise missiles (e.g., JASSM). Nuclear Munitions: Capable of delivering a wide range of nuclear bombs, making it a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad.

Range: Unrefueled: Approximately 11,100 km (6,900 miles; 6,000 nmi) With Mid-air Refueling: Virtually unlimited, allowing for global reach from its home base.

Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 152,634 kg (336,500 lbs)

Service Ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)

Powerplant: 4 × General Electric F118-GE-100 non-afterburning turbofan engines

Length: 21.0 m (69 ft)

Wingspan: 52.4 m (172 ft) 

Height: 5.18 m (17 ft)

Crew: 2 (a pilot and a mission commander)