B2 is a sub-sonic bomber with mid to high altitude capability and goes I believe 6000 miles without refueling, tac on another 4000 if refueled. Cruising speed is similiar to a passenger Jet airliner.
Here's some more info:
n the conventional role, the B-2 will operate with far less support aircraft than other bombers require.
That means fewer pilots and aircraft put in harm's way. Its long range will enable it to strike targets all
over the world from bases in the United States. With its large payload, it will be able to attack eight
times as many targets on each mission as the stealthy F-117 strike fighter. With the proliferation of
modern radar-guided air defenses throughout the world, non-stealthy aircraft will face increasing
difficulty accomplishing their missions. The B-2's low-observable characteristics will enable it to defeat
those defenses, attack the full spectrum of enemy targets and return to base safely.
Developing and Building the B-2
The B-2 design had to meet a number of potentially conflicting requirements. Aerodynamic and
structural challenges of the long-range, large-payload bomber had to be overcome while at the same
time minimizing all low-observable characteristics of the aircraft. Ease of maintenance and
deployability also are important. In addition, the aircraft must be able to communicate, detect targets,
navigate and perform other functions without revealing its location.
[ 10-08-2001: Message edited by: Ripsnort ]
