U.S. Air Force closes runway at Whiteman Air Force Base after more than $2 billion B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber catches fire

The U.S. Air Force was forced to close the only runway at Whiteman Air Force Base due to the incident with the B-2 Spirit nuclear-powered bomber.

Here's What We Know

On Dec. 11, a U.S. strategic aviation aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing while conducting routine operations. After landing, the bomber caught fire and sustained damage. None of the crew was injured.

The Missouri base is home to the 509th Bomber Wing of the U.S. Air Force. All 20 B-2 Spirit aircraft are located there. The cost of one, including development expenses, is more than $2 billion. Thus, the Spirit is the most expensive aircraft in the history of military aviation.

In addition to bombers, there are A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones at the airbase. They won't be able to take off temporarily because Whiteman has only one runway, which, by the way, is 12,400 feet (3,780 meters) long. Military base officials said recovery teams continue to work 24/7 to return the facility to normal status as soon as possible.

Source: The Drive
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