US Air Force releases video of first flight of B-2 Spirit nuclear bomber after nearly six-month delay
Today we wrote that the B-2 Spirit nuclear-powered bombers are returning to the skies after a pause of nearly six months. Air Force Global Strike Command has released a video of the maiden flight.
Here's What We Know
The B-2 Spirit fleet is based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, although one aircraft is based in Hawaii. It landed at Honolulu airport during a mission, where it was caught up in a decision to stop flying.
Airpower: #AlwaysReady
- Air Force Global Strike Command (@AFGlobalStrike) May 22, 2023
The #B2 #Spirit returned to full flying ops today after a deliberate safety pause, during which the maintainers & aircrew at @Whiteman_AFB who enable/operate the bomber kept full mission readiness, ready to launch if requested.@usairforce @US_STRATCOM pic.twitter.com/jUiSiVuoQA
Videos featuring stealth aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons are extremely rare. The new video was dedicated to the resumption of strategic aircraft flights. The 36-second video shows the B-2 leaving the hangar, pulling out onto the runway and climbing into the air.
Despite a pause that began in the first half of December 2022, the B-2 Spirit was available for missions critical to US national security. Earlier, the head of Global Strike Command said that the US Air Force could use nuclear bombers in spite of the flight ban in case of an urgent need.
The video also states that the B-2 Spirit crew and support personnel remained on standby during the pause. Pilots spent time on the advanced simulators set up at Whiteman Base, while maintenance personnel monitored the stealth coverage.
Source: @AFGlobalStrike
