(no subject)

[reldnahkram]

Do we have B-2 bombers these days for any purpose other than overflights at major sporting events? Aren't they a little expensive to be used for that sort of thing and that sort of thing only. Also, when flying over sporting events, the point is to be seen. These things aren't supposed to be seen.

Comments

[uncleamos]

The USAF operates a squadron of B-2s from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and used them extensively in Kosovo, flying 30 hour round-the-world sorties. Oh, I'll let the Air Force tell you.

"Background
The first B-2 was publicly displayed on Nov. 22, 1988, when it was rolled out of its hangar at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, Calif. Its first flight was July 17, 1989. The B-2 Combined Test Force, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is responsible for flight testing the engineering, manufacturing and development aircraft on the B-2.

Whiteman AFB, Mo., is the only operational base for the B-2. The first aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered Dec. 17, 1993. Depot maintenance responsibility for the B-2 is performed by Air Force contractor support and is managed at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, Okla.

The combat effectiveness of the B-2 was proved in Operation Allied Force, where it was responsible for destroying 33 percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks, by flying nonstop to Kosovo from its home base in Missouri and back. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the B-2 flew one of its longest missions to date from Whiteman to Afghanistan and back. The B-2 completed its first-ever combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying 22 sorties from a forward operating location as well as 27 sorties from Whiteman AFB and releasing more than 1.5 million pounds of munitions. The B-2’s proven combat performance led to declaration of full operational capability in December 2003.

The prime contractor, responsible for overall system design and integration, is Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Sector. Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group, General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., are key members of the aircraft contractor team. "

From http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=82

[ultranurd.livejournal.com]

B-2s did participate in the initial "surprise" attack against Iraqi installations in March 2003.