Summary
- The B-2 Spirit bomber remained on standby after 9/11, ready to respond to unfolding events.
- Post-9/11, the B-2 fleet was deployed for strategic missions, performing multiple bombing runs.
- B-2 participated in 9 air superiority exercises in 2024, showcasing its capabilities.
The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is a strategic, low-observable bomber designed to penetrate anti-aircraft defenses. For nearly three decades, the aircraft has served the United States Air Force (USAF) in various missions. While the production of 132 B-2 bombers was initially planned, only 21 aircraft were built due to the end of the Cold War.
Whether it was reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, air force sorties in high-risk regions of the world, or responding to the current threat during the September 11 attacks, the B-2 Spirit has served in the nation’s most complex missions.
Response to the 9/11 attacks
- Crew: Two; pilot (left seat) and mission commander (right seat)
- Max takeoff weight: 376,000 lb (170,600 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 167,000 pounds (75,750 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × General Electric F118-GE-100 non-afterburning turbofans, 17,300 lbf (77 kN) thrust each
- Maximum speed: 630 mph (1,010 km/h, 550 kn) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m) altitude / Mach 0.95 at sea level
- Cruise speed: 560 mph (900 km/h, 487 kn) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m) altitude
- Range: 6,900 mi (11,000 km, 6,000 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,200 m)
On the morning of 9/11, the crews onboard the majority of the USAF B-2 Spirit fleet were about to get dismissed when they were ordered to remain in position and in a higher state of readiness as a result of the first attack on the World Trade Center. Following the second attack, the entire B-2 crew was ready to respond to what was potentially unfolding.
Photo: USAF
The B-2 crew remained close to their jets for the following days and weeks, ready to respond. Additionally, the crew flew simulated missions in flight simulators in anticipation. The 509th Bomb Wing determined that specific crew members and B-2 aircraft would be the first to respond if called upon.
In the weeks following the 9/11 attacks, the B-2 fleet was the first to be deployed in targeted regions. The fleet penetrated the targeted zones, including Afghanistan, for strategic missions. The aircraft performed several bombing runs to secure air superiority for air forces conducting subsequent attacks.
The operational B-2 fleet operated for over 72 hours straight, with at most one touchdown and numerous aerial refueling schedules. From the aircraft’s onboard synthetic aperture radar for target coordinate refinement to deploying bombs and collecting surveillance data, the B-2 bomber fleet was limited.
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Supporting the Bomber Task Force (BTF)
BTF deployment statistics
- Three B-2 bombers were deployed
- Flew 27 sorties
- Combined flight time of 171 hours
- Local and long-haul missions
- Conducted hot-pit refueling training
- Eight integrated sorties with the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptors
In August 2020, the 509th Bomb Wing deployed three B-2 Spirit bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, to the Naval Support Facility in Diego Garcia in support of the Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions of the Pacific Air Forces. According to the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM),
“The 29-hour sortie demonstrated continued U.S. commitment to allies and partners by showcasing their ability to deliver lethal, ready, long-range strike options to Geographic Combatant Commanders anytime, anywhere.”
Photo: Airman 1st Class Andrew Britten | U.S. Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Conant, the Commander of the BTF, shared his enthusiasm for the mission by stating,
“We are excited to return to this important location. [Diego Garcia] puts the “INDO” in INDOPACOM. This Bomber Task Force is our National Defense Strategy in action. We are sharpening our lethality while strengthening relationships with key allies, partners, and our sister-service teammates.”
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Indo-Pacific air superiority exercises
Northrop Grumman-built platforms participating in the missions
- B-2 Spirit
- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
- Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR)
- Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS)
- Maritime Targeting Cell (MTC)
In 2024, the B-2 Spirit bomber participated in nine air superiority biennial military exercises in the US Indo-Pacific Command. The stealth aircraft were used for joint training in a multi-domain environment.
According to Northrop Grumman,
“Capabilities enabled by Northrop Grumman technologies allowed the Joint Force to practice real-world efficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging adversarial threats at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace.”
Photo: United States Air Force
The field training exercises enabled the manufacturer and its partners to gain valuable insights into its platforms’ design, upgrades, and future needs. Moreover, feedback is necessary to combat evolving threats. According to Northrop Grumman,
“Participation in field training exercises enabled warfighters to leverage and demonstrate innovative military capabilities and provided an opportunity for Northrop Grumman to gain customer feedback and valuable real-world insight, potentially leading to improved solutions.”
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