B-2A SPIRIT UNIT IN COMBAT 9Osprey Combat Aircrafta No 64)

Thomas Withington

Osprey, 2006

The B-2A Spirit was conceived to fight the Cold War but has proved invaluable to both the 'New World Order' and more recently the Global War on Terrorism. The combination of low-observability, precision strike, range, and payload flexibility has made the Spirit the weapon of choice when America hits its enemies at the starat of a campaign. B-2s have fired the first shots of Opeations Allied Force over Kosovo and Serbia, Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom against the regime of Saddam Hussein. Despite the tremendous cost of the aircraft- each unit is literally worth its weight in gold - the B-2 has had an impact on modern warfare which has vastly exceeded the USAF's small force of 21 bombers. Indeed, the 509th Bomb Wing, which is for sole frontline user of the type, has set several bombing records in combat with the B-2  since 1999. This volume chronicles the aircraft's performance in action through the experiences of the crews that have flown America's ultimate heavy bomber into combat. 96 pages

*Comprehensive histories of fighting aircraft and their crews, highlighting their vital role in the development of warfare in the 20th and 21st centuries

*A unique source of information, researched by recognized experts and brought to life by first hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves

*Concise, authoritative text is supported by at least 30 original color profiles, specially commissioned scale drawings, and the best archival photography from around the world