B-2 Derivatives

[The Big Gimper]

In 1979, Northrop began studies for a low-observable strategic bomber that would eventually result in the B-2 “Spirit” stealth bomber as we know it.

However, in the early days, two basic mission profiles were studied for the new aircraft: high altitude penetration and low altitude penetration.





Full article is here.

[arkon]

Thank you for finding it and posting here .

Big brother to the flying Dorito

[elmayerle]

I have always felt that the modular nature of the B-2 would allow for a RB-2 variant with low-probability of intercept SLAR radar and/or imaging sensors in a fairing underneath the port weapons bay that would resemble back to back from two modules of TSSAM.  For that matter, a KB-2 with the long-range tank in the starboard weapons bay and either a l-o drogue or flying boom deployable from the port one, would be suitable for refueling aircraft of even higher classification.

[GaryF]

Ideas on what a LO drogue would look like?  Haven't had any bench time lately but earlier this year I started an F-35C as a buddy tanker w drogue in weapons bay and have been wondering about what the LO drogue would look like.

[elmayerle]

Ideas on what a LO drogue would look like?  Haven't had any bench time lately but earlier this year I started an F-35C as a buddy tanker w drogue in weapons bay and have been wondering about what the LO drogue would look like.

Instead of a steel wire-wrapped hose, it would likely have a Kevlar or carbon nanofiber wrapping while the drogue itself would be made of similar LO materials and the metal valve that the probe mates with would have a radar absortive coating, likely be a semi-gloss black or dark grey in color(think the main color of the B-2).

[GTX_Admin]

Ideas on what a LO drogue would look like?  Haven't had any bench time lately but earlier this year I started an F-35C as a buddy tanker w drogue in weapons bay and have been wondering about what the LO drogue would look like.

For a F-35 buddy tanker, I would look at doing something using the Terma multi mission pod as the basis:

[finsrin]

How about a KB-2 tanker ?
Inflight diorama refueling B-50 or B-47.

[GTX_Admin]

How about a KB-2 tanker ?

Err...isn't that what is already being discussed immediately above?

[GTX_Admin]

Ah the proof is finally shown :  The B-2 is actually an ornithopter.

https://youtu.be/d05Sx2sI4AM

Evan of course knew this for years but was sworn to secrecy...

[elmayerle]

Of course, I still can neither confirm nor deny.