B-2 Spirit (wallpaper 3) aircraft photo gallery | AirSkyBuster

image dimensions : 1200 x 749

B-2 Spirit (wallpaper 3). B-2 Spirit aircraft images wallpaper gallery 3. B-2 Spirit aircraft pictures collection 3. The B-2 was first publicly displayed on 22 November 1988, at Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale, California, where it was assembled. This initial viewing was heavily guarded and guests were not allowed to see the rear of the B-2. However, Aviation Week editors found that there was no ban on overflying the airfield apron/presentation area and, to the chagrin of the USAF, took pictures from above of the aircraft's then-secret planform and suppressed engine exhausts. The B-2's first public flight was on 17 July 1989 from Palmdale. B-2 Spirit (wallpaper 3). B-2 Spirit aircraft images wallpaper gallery 3. B-2 Spirit aircraft pictures collection 3. A procurement of 132 aircraft was planned in the mid-1980s, but was later reduced to 75. By the early 1990s, the Soviet Union had disintegrated, which effectively eliminated the Spirit's primary Cold War mission. Under budgetary pressures and congressional opposition, in his 1992 State of the Union Address, President George H.W. Bush announced B-2 production would be limited to 20 aircraft. In 1996, however, the Clinton administration, though originally committed to ending production of the bombers at 20 aircraft, authorized the conversion of a 21st bomber, a prototype test model, to Block 30 fully operational status at a cost of nearly $500 million. B-2 Spirit (wallpaper 3). B-2 Spirit aircraft images wallpaper gallery 3. B-2 Spirit aircraft pictures collection 3.