Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Plane Crashes

It is the first crash of the $1.2 billion B-2 bomber since taking it's first flight in 1989 and it happened on Saturday at Andersen Air Force Base on the island of Guam. Both pilots ejected and are in good condition.

There are 21 stealth bombers and all are based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, but several have been rotating through Guam since 2004 - along with B-1 and B-52 bombers - to boost the U.S. security presence in the Asian-Pacific. The bomber was one of three taking off on their last flight out of Guam after a four month deployment, when it crashed shortly after take off. The one B-2 that had taken off prior to the crash was brought back and all were being kept at the Air Force Base.

The B-2 is an "multi-role bomber" and has been used in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Because of its blend of stealth technology and highly efficient aerodynamics, it is able to deliver large payloads at great distances.

Stealth technology is also known as LOT (Low Observability Technology) and it's goal is to make aircraft, ships, and missiles invisible to radar infrared and other detection measures. With the stealth bomber this is done in two ways: 1) shape the airplane so radar signals are reflected and 2) have the airplane absorb radar signals. Most airplanes with their round shape are great aerodynamically, but are also a great radar reflectors - meaning that no matter where the radar signal hits the plane, the signal bounces back to its source. However, the stealth design, with its all flat surfaces and very sharp edges, radar signals are reflected away from the aircraft at an angle and not back to the source of the signal. Secondly, the stealth is treated so they absorb radar energy - thus giving off a radar signature of a small bird. The only time these two techniques don't work for the bomber is when it banks - there will be a moment when a panel will perfectly reflect the radar signal back to its source.

A board of officers will investigate the crash.