B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber in Action

Entering service with the United States Air Force in 1997, the Northrop Grumman-engineered B-2 Spirit is a multi-role heavy bomber designed to penetrate anti-aircraft defenses undetected.

The B-2’s special radar-absorbing coatings were developed at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate at Wright-Patterons Air Force Base. These coatings, as well as the flying-wing design and various specialized composite materials, all contribute to its unique stealthiness. The January B-2 airstrikes in Libya were the first time since 2011 that the bomber has been used in combat.