The B-2 Spirit is Stealth and multi-role bomber capable of delivering each conventional and nuclear munitions. together with the B-52 and B-1B, the B-2 provides the penetrating flexibility and effectiveness inherent in manned bombers. Its low-observable, or "stealth" characteristics provides it a unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most refined defenses and threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation was expected offer an efficient deterrent and combat force well into the 21st century.
The B-2 was designed to to deliver gravity nuclear and standard weapons, as well precision-guided standoff weapons. An interim, precision-guided bomb capability known as global Positioning System (GPS) Aided Targeting System/GPS Aided Munition (GATS/GAM) was tested and evaluated. Initially the bomber's principal weapon was the 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM, GBU-31).
Four General electric F118-GE-100 non-afterburning turbofan engines (each delivering approximately 19,000 lbs. of thrust) drive the airplane to a most speed described as "high subsonic," and to altitudes close to 50,000 ft. They also offer an unrefueled range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles. one aerial refueling extends this to some 10,000 miles and multiple visits to air tankers stretches the range indefinitely.
