The U.S. has lifted 40% of its fleet of B-2 Spirit nuclear bombers into the sky at the same time, at a cost of more than $2 billion

The U.S. Air Force conducted an unusual test called the "elephant walk" involving strategic bombers B-2 Spirit.

Here's What We Know

Despite the fact that the "elephant walk" is already a well-known part of the exercises of the U.S. Air Force and other countries, the event can still make an impression. Especially when it involves nuclear bombers.

The U.S. Air Force is conducting Spirit Vigilance 22 exercises at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, culminating in the so-called "elephant walk." The 509th and 131st Bombardment Wings participated in the maneuvers on Nov. 7.

Unlike during the Cold War, the U.S. military no longer keeps the B-2 Spirit fully armed around the clock. The purpose of the "elephant walk" is to test a military facility's readiness to get a large number of planes in the air quickly.

The U.S. Air Force used 40 percent of its strategic bombers at once. During the exercise, 8 of the 20 planes took to the skies. Usually the U.S. keeps no more than a dozen B-2 Spirit aircraft deployed.

Colonel Geoffrey Steeves called the Spirit "the most strategic aircraft in the world". According to him, the B-2 is the only aircraft on the planet that combines "stealth, payload and range."

But we should not forget that the B-2 Spirit is also the most expensive aircraft in the world. And perhaps even in the history of aviation. As of the end of the 20th century, its cost was $1.157 billion and $2.1 billion without and including development costs, respectively. It cost $45 billion to build the bomber.

Source: The Drive