The most interesting thing about a B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber is that it is very hard to see. Not just by radar, but also by the general public. We've probably all been to an air show in the last couple of years where the famous Stealth bomber does a fly-by. I've even tried to get some photos of the thing as it went by. When the prints come back my better half (who was even there at the time) asks "what's that little black thing way off in the distance in the middle of this picture?"
Well, a prolonged flypast at the MCAS Cherry Point air show at least allowed me to get some photos where the subject is large enough to be recognized. And the piece d'resistance of the Andrews Air Force Base Open House this year was a B-2 on static display. Yeah, it was surrounded by traffic cones and security personnel, but you could get reasonably close and photos were not prohibited. Damn, it's cool. Finally a couple up close shots of this amazing aircraft. It's enough to convert any armour modeller to doing stealth aircraft instead.
Above: Here's the proverbial "what the heck is that" shot. Actually, I deliberately took this photo with the Blue Angels in the foreground and just a silhouette of the B-2 off in the distance. No, really I meant to.
A head on shot showing the snazzy artwork on the nose gear door. I'm betting this is a removable sticker of some sort. Note the four bomb marks possibly indicating recent sorties (to Iraq, even?).
A closer view of the left side of the B-2 Spirit of America . The details of the crew access ladder and some of the nose gear door can be seen.
Viewing the right side of the Stealth Bomber reveals some panel detail on the under side, as well as some details of the bomb bay doors.
The view that greeted me as I entered the air show grounds at Andrews Air Force Base this year. Awesome.
A slightly closer profile shot of the B-2. Batman, eat your heart out.
One of the closest in-flight shots that I have managed over the years.
A good look at the bottom of the Stealth Bomber. How can that thing actually fly ?
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