The B-2 Spirit, also known as a Stealth Bomber, is one of the most expensive and controversial military aircrafts ever designed for the U.S. military.

Sophisticated Technology
Designed by Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp., the B-2 Spirit employs stealth technology that allows it to fly into hostile territory undetected by radars. The aircraft can effectively sneak past anti-aircraft defenses. The B-2 Spirit was also built to carry heavy bombs – including nuclear weapons. Because of its dual roles, the B-2 Spirit has been used for espionage missions and more traditional bombing campaigns.

The stealth technology and big payload gives the B-2 Spirit an advantage over previous bombers used by the U.S military. With a crew of just two people – a pilot and a mission commander – the Stealth Bomber can travel nearly 7,000 miles and bomb 16 targets in a single pass when equipped with 1,000 or 2,000 pound bombs. The aircraft can hit up to 80 targets when carrying smaller 500 pound bombs.

Recent upgrades to the B-2 Spirit include enhanced radars and the addition of a 30,000 pound bomb known as a "Massive Ordnance Penetrator."

Costs and Controversy
Despite its capabilities and sophisticated technology, the B-2 Spirit came with considerable costs and controversy. Each aircraft cost nearly $1 billion when procured by the U.S. Military in 1997 – including parts, software support, and maintenance. This expense caused controversy among American taxpayers and elected officials in Washington, D.C. who objected to the expensive Stealth Bomber program.

Bowing to public pressure, Congress eventually reduced its order of B-2 Spirits to 21 aircraft from an initial plan to purchase 132 of the Stealth Bombers.Congress has not approved any additional funding to procure more B-2 Spirit aircraft following the original purchase of 21 aircraft.

Adding to the controversy was the fact that a Northrop Grumman employee was arrested during the early years of the Stealth Bomber program trying to sell details of the aircraft to the rival Soviet Union.

Used Around the World
Although originally designed for use during the Cold War, the B-2 Spirit has served in combat roles ranging from the Kosovo War in 1999 to current missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The aircraft has proved to be reliable and is used frequently for bombing campaigns. It destroyed about one-third of Serbian targets during the Kosovo War.

The Stealth Bomber’s futuristic appearance and advanced technology has also captured the public imagination. The aircraft has been featured in documentary and Hollywood films, and is often put on display at air shows around the U.S.