B-2 Stars & Stripes Structured Twill Cap

The B-2 Spirit is a low-observable, long-range heavy bomber designed to penetrate advanced air defences and deliver conventional or nuclear weapons. Developed during the Cold War as part of the U.S. bomber modernisation program, the B-2 uses a distinctive flying-wing design, radar-absorbent materials and reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures.

The first B-2 was publicly rolled out at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, on Nov 22ⁿᵈ, 1988, and first flew on Jul 17ᵗʰ, 1989. The first operational aircraft, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base on Dec 17ᵗʰ, 1993, and the type reached initial operational capability in Apr 1997.

Powered by four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans, the B-2 has a two-person crew, high-subsonic speed, an unrefuelled range of about 6,000 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 50,000 ft. The U.S. Air Force lists its payload as 60,000 lb, while Northrop Grumman lists more than 40,000 lb, reflecting different payload descriptions. Its weapons options include conventional and nuclear munitions.

The B-2 made its combat debut during Operation Allied Force in 1999, flying nonstop missions from Missouri to targets in Kosovo and Serbia. It later flew missions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including sorties from both Whiteman and forward operating locations. The B-2 has also been used in Libya and remains one of the few aircraft able to combine long range, stealth and heavy payload in a single platform.

Only a small B-2 fleet was built, and the aircraft remains based operationally at Whiteman Air Force Base. The U.S. Air Force listed 20 active-force B-2s, including one test aircraft, as of May 2026. The B-2 is expected to continue serving while the Air Force transitions to the newer B-21 Raider.

Why are the stripes vertical?
Great question - and you're absolutely right that the U.S. flag is usually displayed with horizontal stripes. But in this design, we’ve reimagined the flag as an artistic tribute rather than a literal representation. We chose to depict the flag as if it were hanging vertically from above, similar to how it might appear draped at a hangar entrance or suspended during a ceremony. This vertical orientation allows the iconic silhouette of the aircraft to really shine -with the red and white stripes running the length of the fuselage, it creates a bold, centred look while still honouring the flag’s spirit and symbolism.