B2 flyover

[smle-man]

I work close to Dodger stadium in Los Angeles. Just heard the rumble of a low altitude multi engine jet, went outside just in time to see a B2 overhead on a vector back to Edwards AFB. I assume it overflew the stadium for opening day. 2nd time I've seen one, I was driving along Highway 58 near Edwards some years ago and a B2 was flying along at low altitude with its gear down. Strange looking aircraft to say the least! When it is edge on at a distance it is just about invisible even in daytime. Guess that is one reason it is a stealth bomber.

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[RED]

... and they are quite common around here. They are a very confusing airplane when seen at a distance. With no empennage, it is almost impossible to tell if it is coming or going. In addition they must have some sort of noise abatement system because I have had them fly right over my house at somewhere around 5,000 feet and never heard a sound and at other times they sounded pretty loud. Great airplane, but like so many of our other aircraft they are about worn out.

[Quarks]

... and they are quite common around here. They are a very confusing airplane when seen at a distance. With no empennage, it is almost impossible to tell if it is coming or going. In addition they must have some sort of noise abatement system because I have had them fly right over my house at somewhere around 5,000 feet and never heard a sound and at other times they sounded pretty loud. Great airplane, but like so many of our other aircraft they are about worn out.

Yeah, they have quite a few tricks up their sleeves.

"Low-observable" (the proper term for "stealth") includes not just radar evasion but evasion of other sensor platforms including visible (thus the thin aspect with no large tail-fins, etc.), I/R (look at the exhaust of a B-2's engine with NVG's vs. the exhaust of a B-52), electronic emissions (everything is shielded 6 ways to Sunday), and sound.

[Ed Buie]

As part of my job on the B-2 program for Vought Aircraft, a major sub-contractor to Northrop, I worked temporarily at Palmdale while the program was still "black." What a thrill to watch the progress of that program! What an awesome aircraft! On its way to Whiteman, the "Spirit of Texas" landed at Dallas Naval Air Station. We couldn't get too close while it was parked but got to see and hear the landing, takeoff and a few laps around the field. I still think it a shame that the program was cancelled. It excelled in the missions it performed.

[da gimp]

Red, I live 40 miles or so N of Whiteman & worked down @ Holden,Mo. for awhile, & was Blessed to see the B2's, Warthogs, fighters & gunships nearly every day, when they were 1st based there. you are right, very lil noise is generated.Thank you to our AF, & other armed services, for their sacrifice.

take care, be safe, enjoy life,

da gimp

OFC, Mo. Chapter