If you've ever wondered about the history of B2 bombing, you are not alone. This type of weapon was used to attack targets all over the globe during the Cold War. There were numerous incidents, including those in Kosovo, Libya, and RAF Fairford. These are some fascinating facts about the weapon.
Allied Force
Operation Allied Force was the first time the stealth bomber B-2 Spirit was used, and also the first large-scale application of satellites to weapon guidance. It was also the first time that the US used a JDAM joint direct attack munition set, which increased conventional bombs' gravity by up to 95%. The system was also mounted to the B-2s. The Joint Standoff Weapon was also used during Operation Allied Force.
Kosovo
Human Rights Watch went to the site of August 8th's B2 bombing, and interviewed eyewitnesses. It found that the bridge was attacked four times, with the last one destroying it. The Sanatorium was not the intended target. However, the bombing claimed the lives of two bridge workers and at most four others. A crater was located about 400 m away. The Yugoslav government provides forensic details in its White Book.
Libya
After a challenging 25-hour mission, B-2 Spirit bombers belonging to the US military were safely returned home to base. Two pilots were on each plane, making it one of the most expensive warplanes around. They are kept in climate-controlled hangars at Missouri. Their mission in Libya was attack Libya's air defenses.
RAF Fairford
Three US Air Force B2 Stealth bombers from the US have visited RAF Fairford in recent days. They arrived at the airbase via Lajes Field in Portugal, and then performed bombing practice runs. The B2 Bomber was one of the most classified aircraft in US Air Force. It is part of Bomber Task Force. This includes military personnel from the 509th Bomb Wing, 131st Aircraft Wing, and the 509th Bomb Wing.
Spirit of Oklahoma
Recently, the Spirit of Oklahoma B-2 stealth fighter bomber flew from Whiteman AFB to Palmdale, Calif. It is the last Block 20 B-2 to be delivered before it is upgraded to Block 30. This is a major milestone in the program's history and should be used as a warning against future attacks.
Boeing MOP weapon
The MOP is the most recent version of the Boeing missile that was used in B2 Bombing. The weapon is equipped with seven-barrel rapidfire cannons that fire at high speed. This weapon can also pulverize the earth while it burrows. It can even cause an artificial earthquake or collapse underground facilities. The project is a collaboration between Boeing and various weapons developers. However, the MOP weapon presents a few challenges. First, the delivery. To be successful, the weapon should be deployed on an B-2 stealth bomber.
Future configurations
The B-2 bomber can be used in the future for delivery of gravity nuclear weapons, conventional weapons and precision-guided standing off weapons. The aircraft currently possesses an interim precision-guided missile capability called GPS Aided Munitions. This capability is not yet operational. The plane is also designed to carry Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JAM) and a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile.