Annually, maintaining a single B-2 requires over $44 million. Initially, the Air Force intended to acquire 132 of these stealth bombers, but Congress limited the order to 21. With two lost in crashes, only 19 remain in service.

The B-2 Spirit first showcased its combat prowess during the Kosovo War in 1999, delivering precise strikes on Serbian targets. Since then, it has been deployed in various conflict zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan, repeatedly proving its strategic value.

One of the B-2’s most striking features is its unique design. Lacking a fuselage or tail, the aircraft is a flying wing, which necessitates highly precise control of its surfaces. 

The inherent instability of flying-wing designs is countered by a sophisticated quadruplex computer-controlled fly-by-wire system. Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, developed all B-2 components from scratch, including specialized tools, software, test equipment, and 3-D modeling systems. The aircraft’s design aims to deflect radar beams, with large flat surfaces acting like tilted mirrors.

The B-2 holds the record for the longest air combat mission. In 2001, the Spirit of America, alongside five other B-2s, flew a 44-hour mission over Afghanistan. This historic flight included a brief refueling stop, during which the engines remained running, followed by a return to Missouri, totaling over 70 consecutive hours in the air.

Captain Chris “Thunder” Beck, a former B-52 pilot, highlighted the demanding nature of such long-duration flights. Speaking to Defense News, he remarked, “After you do a few [long-duration flights], anything under 20 hours doesn’t seem like a big deal. My personal record is 33 hours, but you have to keep focused on the bigger picture — what you and your crew are trying to achieve. That helps the time pass.”

To manage these extended missions, the B-2 is equipped with amenities to ensure crew comfort. The aircraft features a bed, a toilet, and a microwave, allowing one crew member to rest, use the facilities, or prepare a meal while the other monitors the instruments. 

This level of accommodation is unique compared to other two-seater aircraft, where both pilots must usually remain at the controls.

The B-2’s redundancy in critical systems, particularly hydraulic and electrical components, enhances its reliability. Further, the B-2 Spirit has also made a notable impact in popular culture, frequently appearing in Hollywood films. 

During the 1996 filming of “Armageddon,” actor Jason Isaacs had a memorable encounter with a B-2 bomber in a giant California hangar, describing the experience as stepping into a disorienting ‘primeval swamp.’ 

The B-2 has also been featured in movies such as “Independence Day,” “Iron Man 2,” “Cloverfield,” “Airplanes,” “Rampage,” and “Captain Marvel,” solidifying its status as Hollywood’s favorite aerial cameo.

The B-2 Spirit, with its unparalleled stealth capabilities, advanced design, and significant operational history, continues to be a formidable asset for the US Air Force and a symbol of modern military aviation excellence.