# 2-Billion Dollar B=2 (DD-295)

> The Northrop B-2 Spirit is a US Air Force stealth bomber with a flying-wing shape designed to reduce its radar cross-section. It first flew publicly in 1989. By 1996, the program had produced 21 B-2s at a total cost of $44.7 billion, an average of $2.13 billion per aircraft when research and development are included. The cost of building each additional aircraft, without development, has been estimated at about $737 million in 1997 dollars. Plans for 132 aircraft were cut back as the Cold War ended, which raised the per-plane share of development costs. The B-2 is being succeeded by the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider. The footage shows a B-2 in flight and close-ups of its wing.

- Department: Military (also Tech)
- First published: 2024-08-10
- Last updated: 2024-08-10
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/2-billion-dollar-b2/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1989**: The B-2 first flies publicly
- **1996**: The program completes 21 B-2s

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=2-billion-dollar-b2

## Quick facts

- **DD-295-F01**: Only 21 B-2s were built. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Flying wing))_
- **DD-295-F02**: The program averaged $2.13 billion per aircraft. _(Write-up · Exhibit C (21 aircraft))_

## Write-up

Twenty-one bombers cost $44.7 billion. The program averaged $2.13 billion per aircraft, counting development.

1. **Flying wing**: The B-2's flying-wing shape helps reduce its radar cross-section.
2. **First flight**: The B-2 first flew publicly in 1989.
3. **21 aircraft**: The program produced 21 B-2s at a total cost of $44.7 billion.
4. **Average cost**: That averages $2.13 billion per aircraft including development.
5. **Successor**: The B-21 Raider is set to succeed the B-2.

## Related case files

- [Northrop Grumman (DD-604)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/northrop-grumman/): I linked the company that builds it
- [B52 Stratofortress (DD-708)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/b52-stratofortress/): I paired it with the older bomber it flies alongside
- [Blackbird (DD-117)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/blackbird/): I paired it with another iconic US aircraft

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Each bomber costing approximately $2,000,000,000': fair as an average including development ($2.13 billion). I'd note the cost to build one more aircraft was estimated at about $737 million in 1997 dollars.

## Video: 2-Billion Dollar B=2: Twenty-One Bombers Cost $44.7 Billion

- Duration: 24.2 s · Published: 2024-08-10
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C-g3b2lpqJb.mp4

### Transcript

DID YOU KNOW? The B-2 Spirit also known as the Stealth Bomber is a marvel of modern aviation technology and a key asset in the United States Air Force's strategic arsenal. Designed for stealth the B-2 can evade radar detection, making it capable of penetrating sophisticated enemy defenses. Its distinctive flying wing design helps minimize its radar cross-section. The B-2 program has been one of the most expensive military projects with each bomber costing approximately $2,000,000,000! NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What helps the B-2 evade radar?**  
A: It minimizes radar cross-section. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Flying wing) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit)_

**Q: When did the B-2 first fly publicly?**  
A: It was revealed in 1988. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (First flight) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit)_

**Q: How many B-2s were built?**  
A: Plans for 132 were cut back. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (21 aircraft) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit)_

**Q: What was the average cost per aircraft?**  
A: That includes development. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Average cost) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit)_

**Q: What aircraft will succeed the B-2?**  
A: It's also made by Northrop Grumman. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Successor) · Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Northrop B-2 Spirit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_B-2_Spirit)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "2-Billion Dollar B=2." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-295, last updated Aug 10, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/2-billion-dollar-b2/