“Stealth bomber”… What are its advantages? Why did Washington strike the Houthis?

On Wednesday night, American forces launched air strikes using hidden B-2 strategic bombers on weapons storage facilities in Yemeni areas controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi group.

It remains the first time that the United States has used this stealth bomber to attack the Houthis, since launching its operations in the Red Sea, with the aim of reducing… from The ability of the right-wing group, classified as a terrorist group, to target ship traffic in the waters off Yemen.

The network reported,CNN“, that the B-2 bombers are significantly superior to the fighter aircraft previously used in targeting the Yemeni group’s facilities and weapons, explaining that these bombers are distinguished by their ability to carry huge quantities of ammunition, which gives them superior destructive power compared to other aircraft.

Characteristics and features of “B-2”

The B-2 aircraft stands out as one of the most advanced and effective bombers in the American arsenal, as it is considered a huge technological breakthrough, and embodies a qualitative leap in the American bomber modernization program, according to Official website of the US Air Force.

With its unique design that takes the shape of bat wings, the B2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering conventional and nuclear munitions, as well as directing massive firepower, in a short time, to anywhere in the world.

It is also distinguished by its unique ability to penetrate the most advanced air defense systems, which makes it a powerful strategic weapon, as this bomber can reach the enemy’s most important and fortified targets without being detected.

The B-2 has a tremendous range of up to 6,000 nautical miles (about 9,600 kilometers) without the need to refuel, enabling it to carry out intercontinental missions.

The B-2 is also distinguished by its ability to carry up to 18,144 kilograms of ammunition, and is equipped with four powerful engines that provide it with the ability to fly at high speeds under the speed of sound and reach an altitude of up to 15,240 meters.

A record and a cinematic icon

This plane was unveiled in November 1988 in California, and flew in the skies of the state for the first time, eight months later on July 17, 1989.

The B-2 demonstrated its high combat efficiency in several military operations. Among them is the operation launched by NATO against the Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War, during which it was able to inflict severe damage on a third of Serbian targets during the first eight weeks of the operation, according to the US Air Force website.

The B-2 holds the record for the longest air combat mission in history, as it carried out a 44-hour continuous flight in 2001, departing from Whiteman Base to Afghanistan and returning without stopping, according to the company’s website. “Northrop Grumman“.

Thanks to its unique shape, this plane remains an icon in the world of cinema as well, as Hollywood film directors often resort to it as the ideal air weapon for confronting giant monsters or repelling an alien invasion.

Northrop Grumman is responsible for the overall design of the B-2 bomber, whose price is estimated at more than a billion dollars per aircraft, according to the Washington Post.

A team of leading companies in the field of aviation and defense industries is participating in the project to develop this bomber, including Boeing Military Aircraft, the Hughes Group, which specializes in radar systems, General Electric, which manufactures aircraft engines, in addition to Foote Aerospace Industries.

Why was it used to hit Houthi targets?

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon uses B-2 bombers on a limited basis in combat missions, noting that this is often a “show of force,” and indicates that the United States does not need nearby bases to strike its opponents, as it relies on this aircraft. It can refuel by air to carry out its missions without the need to land.

The American newspaper considered that the possibility of expanding the conflict between Israel and Iran has left some of the United States’ Arab allies in a state of unease, referring to statements by Qatari officials, this week, that they will not allow the Pentagon to use Al Udeid Air Base, a large facility that includes American fighter planes, to launch… Attack on any other country.

US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, confirmed that the bombing constituted “a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our opponents seek to keep out of our reach, regardless of how deep underground, solid, or fortified they are.”

He considered that the use of long-range, stealthy B-2 Spirit bombers “demonstrates the global capabilities of the United States to take action against these targets when necessary, at any time, and in any place.”