The US Air Force is deploying two Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bombers to Andersen AFB, Guam, between 23 March and 3 April.
The overseas deployment, the first for the low-observable bomber, is part of an Air Combat Command sponsored exercise. It is the B-2's first deployment for sustained training operations from a forward location. The exercise is designed to demonstrate the aircraft's ability to be deployed and operated outside the USA.
The aircraft came in for severe criticism after it was revealed that Block 10 and 20 versions were not as durable as expected and had to be kept in hangars after every mission. A US General Accounting Office report issued late last year says that B-2s "-must be kept in shelters because of their sensitivity to moisture, water and other severe climatic conditions". The air force says that Guam is one of several overseas bases with hangars able to accommodate the B-2.
The B-2s will drop weapons at a bombing range in the Northern Marianas and fly low-level missions. The B-2 Spirit bombers are operated by the 509th Bomb Wing, based at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
The USAF is buying 21 B-2s: five production B-2s and six test aircraft being modified to the fully capable Block 30 configuration.
Source: Flight International
