Though the stealth points are what make the B-2 Spirit initially stand out, what makes it actually top-of-the-line stealth bombers of all time is the leaps it took with its vary and munitions-carrying capabilities.

As the B-2 was developed throughout the time of the Cold War, it possesses the potential to hold immense payloads, together with nuclear weapons. Able to hold as much as 40,000 kilos, the B-2 can fly an astounding 6,000 nautical miles earlier than refueling.

The B-2 makes use of 4 General Electric F118-GE-100 engines, which in the end generate 17,300 kilos thrust. Weighing 160,000 kilos and boasting a 172-foot-long wingspan, the bomber can hit subsonic speeds and cruise at an elevation of fifty,000 ft.

Unsurprisingly, this technological marvel can be the costliest airplane ever constructed, costing as much as $2.13 billion per B-2, according to the most recent estimates. Though the unique plan was to fabricate 132 bombers, the Cold War’s conclusion led to the manufacturing of simply 20 whole, that are proceed to function as we speak.