America announces the image of B-2 'breaking the sound wall'

The B2 military stealth bomber that passes the "sound wall" is like a stingray to the water.

The US Department of Defense has just released a picture of the B-2 sounding speed during a flight over Palmdale, near Los Angeles. The military often uses the image of "crossing the sound wall" to say that these aircraft exceed the speed of sound.

When the plane reaches a speed greater than or equal to the speed of sound, the surrounding air abruptly decreases, leading to a decrease in the air temperature, causing the water to condense into clouds . machines have cone shaped heads.

B-2 stealth bomber breaks the "sound wall".

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is the 'center' of the US military's air combat operations, as well as a strategic weapon in prolonged battles, capable of carrying weapons. common and nuclear weapons.

Northrop Grumman Group said it will install new improved software for B-2's flight management system. And software design technology group Semantic Designs said that the project will extend service time as well as strengthen B-2.

'Although B-2 is the US Air Force's latest bomber, B-2's computer system still needs to be upgraded to integrate with the common weapons systems, as well as maintain its ability. fight ' , the company said.

Characteristics of stealth B-2 bombers

B-2 Spirit, produced by Northrop Grumman, is a multitasking bomber that uses Stealth Technology, carrying conventional bombs and nuclear bombs. B-2 marks an important milestone in the US arms modernization program.

B-2's second-generation stealth technique makes it possible for airplanes to break through dense air defense systems that were not able to overcome previous fighter jets. However, the initial order of 135 units was reduced to 75 in the late 1980s.

In the 1992 Federal Message, President George HW Bush announced that total B-2 manufacturing would be limited to 20 units (later increased to 21 by refurbishing an experimental unit).

B-2 Spirit is shaped like a stingray.

Special feature

Due to the possibility of airborne refueling, the range of B-2 is limited only by the maintenance of engine and crew health. Along with B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer flying fortresses, the US military believes that the B-2 offers the inherent flexibility of manned bombers. Low exposure, or "stealth" features, allow it to penetrate through the enemy's most sophisticated defense barriers and attack the most carefully guarded targets.

The combination of stealth technology, special aerodynamic form and the ability to carry large loads gives B-2 certain advantages compared to previous bombers. Its range is approximately 6,000 miles (11,100 km) without refueling, the stealth feature makes the B-2 more capable of operating freely at high altitudes, thus increasing its range. and have a better view of the sensors attached to it.

The stealth capabilities of the B-2 come from a combination of measures to minimize exposure to sound, infrared, electromagnetic, optical and radar, making it difficult for the opponent to detect, monitor and destroy. Many stealth features are still classified as top secret. However, composite materials for making B-2, in particular, and "wing" designs and coatings also contribute to its stealth capabilities.

Cockpit structure

The cockpit of the B-2 is modernly equipped with high-tech electronics.

B-2 has a crew of two, a pilot and a commander. The cockpit of the B-2 is equipped with an electronic flight measurement system (EFIS), pilots can choose flight mode and operating devices for take-off, landing and combat processes using three Simple push button.

Weapons system

With the GPS Support Target System called GATS, B-2 can use APQ-181 radar to correct GPS targets and a "smart" GPS navigation support system to calculate exact coordinates, wind speed so that normal bombs hit targets. It can bomb 16 targets at once.

B-2 can carry over 18 tons of weapons.

B-2 can carry more than 18,000 kg of weapons, including conventional weapons and nuclear weapons, laser-controlled weapons, conventional bombs. During the test flight, B-2 successfully released B-61 and B-83 nuclear bombs and regular bombs Mk84, Mk82 and CBU-87. B-2 can also carry stealth cruise missiles with AGM-129 nuclear warheads.

Northrop Grumman improved the bomb prices to be able to carry up to 80 JDAM smart bombs (laser guided). In addition, B-2 is also equipped with JSOW, JASSM and 'cluster bombs' WCMD .

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
First flight: July 17, 1989
Status: 20 aircraft in operation
Price: 737 million USD / unit
Wingspan: 52, 43 m
Height: 5.18 m
Length: 21.03 m
Maximum takeoff weight: 152,407 kg
Weight: 18,143 kg