How It Works-Amazing Vehicles

Stealth

Bomber

T

he ‘fl ying wing’ shaped Stealth Bomber is a

unique aircraft that was designed specially to

make it as invisible as possible. Its shape

means there are few leading edges for radar to refl ect

from, reducing its signature. This is further

enhanced by the composite materials from which

the aircraft is constructed and the coatings on its

surface. These are so successful that despite having

a 172-foot w ingspan, the B-2’s radar signature is an

astounding 0.1m^2.

The B-2’s stealth capabilities, and aerody namic

shape, are f urther enhanced by the fact its engines

are buried inside the w ing. This means the

induction fans at the front of the engines are

concealed while the engine exhaust is minimised.

A s a result, the B-2’s thermal signature is kept to the

bare minimum, making it harder for thermal

sensors to detect the bomber as well as lowering the

aircraft’s acoustic footprint.

The design also means the B-2 is both highly

aerody namic and fuel effi cient. The B-2’s maximum

range is 6,000 nautical miles and as a result the

aircraft has often been used for long-range missions,

some lasting 30 hours and in one case, 50. The B-2 is

so highly automated that it’s possible for a single

crew member to fl y while the other sleeps, uses the

lavator y or prepares a hot meal and this combination

of range and versatilit y has meant the aircraft has

been used to research sleep cycles to improve crew

performance on long-range missions.

Despite this, the aircraft’s success comes w ith a

heft y price tag. Each B-2 costs $737 million and must

be kept in a climate-controlled hangar to make

sure the stealth materials remain intact and

functional. These problems aside though, the

Spirit is truly an astonishing aircraft, even if,

chances are, you won’t see one unless the pilots

want you to...

The B-2 is extraordinary, both in

terms of appearance and design

Crew compartment

The B-2 carries t wo crew, a pilot

and a mission commander with

room for a third if needed.

Composite materials

A ny radar returns are reduced by

the composite materials used,

which further deflect any signals.

© Northrop Grumman

© Northrop Grumman

You may not see the plane,

but you’ll see the bombs

Not one you’re likely to find

in your I-Spy book...

Air Intakes

To further reduce

the B2’s signature, the

engine intakes are sunk

into the main body.

Windows

The B-2’s windows have a fine

wire mesh built into

them, designed to

scatter radar.

Fly-by-wire

The B-2’s unique shape makes

it unstable, and it relies on a

computer to stabilise it and

keep it flying.

MILITARY