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Caption:
The B-2 Spirit approaches the boom of a McGuire Air Force Base, New
Jersey KC-10A Extender during a Capstone orientation flight. Capstone
is a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training mission providing
interservice training for the wartime application of airlift. Through
Capstone, senior level officers are able to observe the significance of
airlift and its role in all military operations. The B-2 Spirit is a
multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear
munitions. It is a dramatic leap forward in technology and represents a
major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2
brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the
globe through previously impenetrable defenses. The B-2 provides the
penetrating flexibility and effectiveness inherent in manned bombers.
Its low-observable, or "stealth," characteristics give it the unique
ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and
threaten its most valued, and heavily defended, targets. The B-2's
low-observability provides it greater freedom of action at high
altitudes, thus increasing its range and a better field of view for the
aircraft's sensors. Its capability to penetrate air defenses and
threaten effective retaliation provide a strong, effective deterrent
and combat force well through the 21st century. The aerial refueling
took place aboard a McGuire AFB, New Jersey KC-10A Extender on October
5, 2000. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Scott H. Spitzer)
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