USAF B-2

The Northrop Grumman B-2 is more than satisfying the operational and maintenance demands placed on it by the US Air Force during the first months of flying.

The first B-2 was accepted by the Air Force’s Air Combat Command on Dec.17,1993, and the 509^th Bomb Wing launched its first training sortie* five days later on Dec.22.

Whiteman AFB will be the home of all 20 B-2’s to be assigned to the 509^th Bomb Wing. If an additional 20 B-2’s are funded, they also most likely would be based here and assigned to the same wing. The base’s support infrastructure has been sized to handle 40 aircraft.

The B-2 is a big step forward in the modernization of the US Air Force’s bomber force. The new technology embodied in the B-2 is reflected in the two-person crew, half that of the B-1 and later models of the B-52. The stealth characteristics of the B-52, combined with its range and payload capabilities, add yet another dimension to operational combat missile flexibility.

From a pilot’s view point, Northrop has given the Air Force an aircraft that is not only reliable, but easy and enjoyable to fly.

* Notes:

sortie - самолетовылет

LESSON 15

The Return of the Dirigibles

ACTIVE TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS

Dirigible

To exploit

To make geological survey

to map -наносить на карту, чертить карту

To man

Metal hull

Дата добавления: 2015-07-11