Vanguard of stealth technology over many decades

Vanguard of stealth technology over many decades
by Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 18, 2023

For three decades, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, an innovative product of Northrop Grumman, has been the bedrock of stealth technology for the U.S. Air Force. Its commendable service was celebrated recently at the Pioneers of Stealth Memorial, situated in the National Museum of the United States Air Force Memorial Park, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This tribute coincides with the 34th anniversary of the B-2's first flight and applauds Northrop Grumman's instrumental role in advancing stealth technology during the late 20th century.

The Pioneers of Stealth, a collective comprising more than 200 individuals from the U.S. Government and the defense industry, have labored on stealth programs since the 1970s. The memorial pays homage to these innovative minds and highlights four pivotal programs that reshaped the role of stealth in national defense. Northrop Grumman has the distinction of developing two of these transformative programs: Tacit Blue and the B-2 Spirit.

The highly secretive Tacit Blue program, initiated by DARPA and bestowed on Northrop in 1976, sought to extend low observable development, particularly to evade enemy radar. The prototype aircraft, which first flew in 1982, incorporated numerous stealth, radar, and aerodynamic innovations, setting the stage for the creation of the B-2 Spirit.

The design of Tacit Blue demonstrated that stealthy aircraft could feature curved surfaces, a concept that significantly influenced the B-2 Spirit's design. Tacit Blue also minimized the heat signature from the engines, further concealing its existence. This aircraft, boasting a low "all-aspect" radar signature, proved its ability to hover over and behind the battlefield undetected by enemy radar, making effective use of advanced sensors to monitor enemy forces continually. The Tacit Blue aircraft had a total of 135 flights before the program's conclusion in 1985.

Developing the B-2 Spirit required a great deal of ingenuity and resilience from Northrop Grumman's team of engineers and designers. Many components, including tools, a software laboratory, composite materials, special test equipment, and 3-D modeling and computer systems, had to be created from scratch. The team also devised new manufacturing processes. This unique and easily recognized aircraft offers a powerful deterrent and combat force, boasting a capacity to penetrate air defenses and carry large payloads.

Even today, Northrop Grumman maintains its vanguard position in stealth technology, utilizing insights gleaned from heritage systems like Tacit Blue to continue to evolve the B-2 Spirit, and more recently, the B-21 Raider.

The U.S. Air Force continues to utilize B-2s as the cornerstone of the nation's stealth bomber fleet. At present, the B-2 is the sole long-range penetrating stealth bomber in the U.S. arsenal, protecting our servicemen and women, the nation, and our global allies. The B-2's unique blend of nuclear and conventional capabilities, coupled with its stealth, long-range strike, heavy payload, and precision weapons, make it an unrivaled deterrent.

Northrop Grumman is striving to use advanced technology to continue modernizing the platform, ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains its current long-range, penetrating stealth bomber through sustainment and digital transformation.

Northrop Grumman carries on its pioneering work in stealth technology with the B-21 Raider, the world's first sixth-generation aircraft. Decades of collaboration and investment from government and industry have expanded the realm of the possible, allowing stealth technology to evolve in sync with national security needs. The B-21 Raider, the next-generation stealth bomber, is currently under development by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Air Force, promising a continuation of this legacy of stealth innovation.