B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber caught fire and sustained damage in emergency landing at U.S. base

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber decided to retire early.

Here's What We Know

On December 10, information appeared on social media that the strategic aviation aircraft sustained damage as a result of an emergency landing. The incident was later confirmed by the 509th Bomber Wing. It occurred at Whiteman military base in Missouri.

A U.S. Air Force nuclear bomber was performing routine operations when a malfunction was detected during the flight. After an emergency landing, a fire broke out. The extent of damage to the B-2 Spirit has yet to be assessed.

A similar incident occurred last September. The consequences can be seen in the first photo to this material. Then, after an emergency landing, the B-2 Spirit drove out of the runway and started mud with its wing. As a result, the bomber was sent to Plant 42 in Palmdale, where Northrop Grumman made extensive repairs.

In 2021, however, it escaped the fire. The pilot had to make an emergency landing because of old springs. The estimated cost of repairs of the strategic bomber was more than $10 million.

Note that the U.S. Air Force has only 20 B-2 Spirit aircraft, of which about a dozen are permanently deployed. So any damage is a serious event and a big problem for the service.

Source: The Drive, Defense Brief