Advances in stealth technology culminated in the F-117 Nighthawk, setting the stage for the B-2 Spirit's development. Despite its groundbreaking stealth capabilities, the end of the Cold War and cost overruns led to a reduced fleet of just 20 aircraft.
The B-2 bomber produced one of the best stealth weapons of all time. And yet, the program called for 75 bombers total, not the 20 we have today. The fall of the Soviet Union saw the numbers needed drop dramatically: Since its inception in 1947, the U.S. Air Force has been deeply invested in operating long-range strategic […]
Many defense writers have lamented the small number of B-2s procured. However, the B-2 cut was a ‘bet’ on a lack of great-power confrontation the Pentagon is probably thankful for today
The Spirit was designed late in the Cold War to slip through the Soviet Union’s formidable integrated air defense network combining ground-based radars, surface-to-air missiles and aerial interceptors and radar planes.
If America Loves the B-2 Stealth Bomber, Why Did It Only Build 20?
The Air Force still wanted B-2s, but the expensive program was on the chopping block with other premium weapons like the
Sea Wolf-class submarine.
Here s What You Need to Know: As the B-2’s capabilities would be fully subsumed by the B-21’s, the Air Force plans to retire the Spirit around the year 2036 as the Raiders phase in. Of course, the B-2 story suggests that the biggest question may be whether the B-21 can stay on budget, and just how many Washington will be willing to pay for when the bill comes due.