The B-2 Spirit is back in the air - the nuclear bomber takes to the skies for the first time since December 2022

Global Strike Command has officially resumed flights of the B-2 Spirit strategic bombers. The nuclear-capable aircraft has not been seen in the sky since late 2022.

Here's What We Know

The US Air Force has received 21 B-2 Spirit bombers from Northrop Grumman. One aircraft was destroyed a few years ago, reducing the fleet to 20 stealth aircraft.

Thomas Bussiere, head of the Global Strike Command, earlier said experts had taken all necessary steps to safely return the B-2s to full flight. The nuclear bombers remained on the ground for more than five months. The first flight after the pause took place on 22 May 2203.

In the first half of December 2022, flights were halted after the B-2 crashed at Whiteman, Missouri. After an emergency landing, the aircraft caught fire. The pilot was not injured and the fire was contained, but the cause was not specified.

The B-2s are the only stealth aircraft in service with the US Air Force that can carry nuclear weapons. The B-52H Stratofortress does not possess stealth technology, and the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters are only being certified to carry nuclear weapons.

The cost per B-2 Spirit bomber, taking into account inflation and the development program, is approximately $2.1 billion. In the future, the US Air Force will discard all B-2s and replace them with a hundred next-generation B-21 Raider aircraft (pictured above). Full-scale production is planned for 2026.

Source: Flight Global