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2-Billion Dollar B=2

Short answer: The Northrop B-2 Spirit is a US Air Force stealth bomber with a flying-wing shape designed to reduce its radar cross-section. It first flew publicly in 1989.

By 1996, the program had produced 21 B-2s at a total cost of $44.7 billion, an average of $2.13 billion per aircraft when research and development are included. The cost of building each additional aircraft, without development, has been estimated at about $737 million in 1997 dollars. Plans for 132 aircraft were cut back as the Cold War ended, which raised the per-plane share of development costs. The B-2 is being succeeded by the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. The footage shows a B-2 in flight and close-ups of its wing.

VideoWrite-up1 sources

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What should you know about 2-Billion Dollar B=2?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Only 21 B-2s were built.

    DD-295-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Flying wing)

  2. The program averaged $2.13 billion per aircraft.

    DD-295-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit C (21 aircraft)

Video transcript: 2-Billion Dollar B=2: Twenty-One Bombers Cost $44.7 Billion

DID YOU KNOW? The B-2 Spirit also known as the Stealth Bomber is a marvel of modern aviation technology and a key asset in the United States Air Force's strategic arsenal. Designed for stealth the B-2 can evade radar detection, making it capable of penetrating sophisticated enemy defenses. Its distinctive flying wing design helps minimize its radar cross-section. The B-2 program has been one of the most expensive military projects with each bomber costing approximately $2,000,000,000! NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 24.2s Reel ·

Video coming soon2-Billion Dollar B=2 · Instagram Reel
2-Billion Dollar B=2: Twenty-One Bombers Cost $44.7 Billion Instagram Reel · · 24.2s

The write-up

Twenty-one bombers cost $44.7 billion. The program averaged $2.13 billion per aircraft, counting development.

  1. Exhibit A

    Flying wing

    The B-2's flying-wing shape helps reduce its radar cross-section.

  2. Exhibit B

    First flight

    The B-2 first flew publicly in 1989.

  3. Exhibit C

    21 aircraft

    The program produced 21 B-2s at a total cost of $44.7 billion.

  4. Exhibit D

    Average cost

    That averages $2.13 billion per aircraft including development.

  5. Exhibit E

    Successor

    The B-21 Raider is set to succeed the B-2.

Questions people ask about 2-Billion Dollar B=2

What helps the B-2 evade radar?

It minimizes radar cross-section.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Flying wing) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

When did the B-2 first fly publicly?

It was revealed in 1988.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (First flight) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

How many B-2s were built?

Plans for 132 were cut back.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (21 aircraft) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

What was the average cost per aircraft?

That includes development.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Average cost) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

What aircraft will succeed the B-2?

It's also made by Northrop Grumman.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Successor) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. What helps the B-2 evade radar?

    1. Its flying-wing shape
    2. Its speed
    3. Its paint color only
    4. Its size
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Its flying-wing shape It minimizes radar cross-section. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Flying wing) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

  2. When did the B-2 first fly publicly?

    1. 1989
    2. 1969
    3. 2009
    4. 1979
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 1989 It was revealed in 1988. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (First flight) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

  3. How many B-2s were built?

    1. 21
    2. 132
    3. 500
    4. 6
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 21 Plans for 132 were cut back. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (21 aircraft) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

  4. What was the average cost per aircraft?

    1. $2.13 billion
    2. $21 million
    3. $200 billion
    4. $50 million
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. $2.13 billion That includes development. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Average cost) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

  5. What aircraft will succeed the B-2?

    1. B-21 Raider
    2. B-52
    3. F-35
    4. SR-71
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. B-21 Raider It's also made by Northrop Grumman. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Successor) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "2-Billion Dollar B=2." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-295, last updated Aug 10, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/2-billion-dollar-b2/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/2-billion-dollar-b2/ · Last updated

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