Strengthening the “Spirit”: Increasing the utility of the B‐2 bomber for twenty‐first century conflict

Future modifications of the B‐2 Spirit bomber could greatly increase its combat effectiveness and operational utility. This article presents an overview of potential B‐2 missions, employment concepts, and aircraft modifications that are consistent with the “visions” of future warfare, circa 2010 to 2025, reflected in a recent series of documents produced by elements of the Department of Defense. Force size, however, will discipline mission allocation and pursuit of related aircraft modifications.