[glock rocks]

We have a few of Lancers. The loss of one B2 isn’t something we can’t recover from. In fact, I’m sure its replacement is already flying, albeit at night, in the middle of nowhere.

[RS]

“In fact, I’m sure its replacement is already flying, albeit at night, in the middle of nowhere.”

... and how many of those will comprise our entire fleet ?
10 aircraft ? 5 ?

[RS]

“In fact, I’m sure its replacement is already flying, albeit at night, in the middle of nowhere.”

... and how many of those will comprise our entire fleet ?
10 aircraft ? 5 ?

[Tommyjo]

Any replacement would be another strategic bomber. All strategic nuclear bombers are open to inspection under treaty. The Russians would have to inspect the airframe once declared operational in service. You can’t hide them.

[tanknetter]

In fact, I’m sure its replacement is already flying, albeit at night, in the middle of nowhere.

In a way, you are absolutely correct. The B-2A fleet was originally capped at 20 aircraft: 8 for each squadron, 3 assumed to be in overhaul at a given time and one flying out of Edwards for test duties.

The first B-2A, AV-1 82-1066 Spirit of America, was supposed to be retired after she completed her flight test duties. Instead the Air Force paid for her to be brought up to production specs and the fleet expanded to 21 aircraft, to lessen the effect of attrition. Since she is technically both the first, and last, B-2A, she was named "Spirit of America" rather than after a state (or implicitly after a state, as with Spirit of Kitty Hawk).