The U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber plays a significant role in America’s nuclear triad. So why did the U.S. Air Force build so few of these amazing weapons platforms? 

Capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear weapons, the multi-role bomber features low-observable stealth technology capable of penetrating even the densest anti-aircraft defenses.

Late last year, the platform’s manufacturer Northrop Grumman relayed that “three decades later, the iconic flying wing is more advanced than ever and in a class of its own,” adding that “morphing with the times, the B-2’s avionics technology, stealth and armament have evolved to ensure U.S. air dominance.”

While this statement may be true, the service’s B-2 force has dwindled significantly over the last thirty-four years.

Today, just 20 Spirits remain in service.

The origin story of the B-2 bomber:

For many years, the Air Force relied on its fleet of B-52 Stratofortress airframes to operate as its primary strategic bombers.

However, as the Cold War began to heat up in the 1960’s and the arms race between the U.S. and USSR was on, American officials were growing concerned with the Soviet’s developing network of high-speed interceptors and surface-to-air missiles. As a placeholder perhaps, the Air Force invested in airframes designed to penetrate hostile airspace and low altitudes.