It has been called the most amazing and unbelievable aircraft of the 20th century. One look at the bat-like lines of the USAF's stealthy B-2 Spirit bomber quickly confirms this. But that futuristic shape has lineage back to the 1940s when the Northrop Company designed and built the B-35 and B-49 models - aircraft that closely resembled this 1990s flying wing version. Granted, the B-2 development program has had to endure a rocky road, but it is now here, and even though in smaller numbers than many desired, it will still present a formidable presence in the 21st century.

"An in-depth look at the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, with detailed cross-section diagrams, action photos, and fascinating facts"--Provided by publisher.

This is a pictorial history of Jack Northrop's dream, the B-2A Spirit, a low-observable, strategic, long-range, heavy bomber with the ability to penetrate sophisticated and dense enemy air-defense shields. It is capable of all-altitude attack missions up to 50,000 feet, with a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles (nm) unrefueled, and over 10,000 nm with one refueling, giving it the ability to fly to any point in the world within hours. Stealth technology has rendered radar systems ineffective by greatly reducing their detection ranges. After ten years of service, the B-2A finally achieved full operational capability in December 2003. An assessment published by the USAF showed that two B-2As armed with precision weaponry could do the job of seventy-five conventional aircraft.

An introduction to the B-2 stealth bomber, covering the aircraft's military and performance abilities, and use in combat missions.

Advanced paperfolders can get stealthy with eight finely detailed bombers and fighters. American, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese aircraft include the B-2 Spirit, Northrop Grumman's B-21, F-117 Lockheed Nighthawk, and J-20 Mighty Dragon.

Discusses the history of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and its use in the military campaigns in Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.