Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football: B-2 Stealth Bomber Returning To Rose Bowl

There's plenty to like about the "Granddaddy of them all", but one specific tradition gives fans an experience unlike any other.

Christopher Breiler

In this story:

The No. 1 Michigan Wolverines are set to return to the Rose Bowl game for the first time since 2007, this time squaring off against No. 4 Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. 

Fans who have made the trip to Pasadena in previous years know that there is plenty to take in throughout the week, including the iconic New Year's Day tradition of the Rose Parade. Another tradition that has become a staple since 2005 has been the flyover of a B-2 Stealth bomber - something that occurs at both the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl game. Unfortunately, the B-2 was grounded last year following an emergency landing and fire.

Now, according to Pasadena Now, that longstanding tradition is set to make a return for this year's Rose Bowl game.

The Tournament of Roses has confirmed that a United States Air Force B-2 Stealth bomber will once again grace the skies over Pasadena on January 1, 2024.

The B-2 bomber will fly over both the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl game, reinstating a tradition that has been a part of the New Year’s Day festivities since 2005.

The B-2 bomber fleet was grounded last year following an emergency landing and fire. This led to a stand-down and the deployment of a B-1B Lancer bomber from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota instead of a B-2.

Here are 10 interesting facts about the B-2 Stealth bomber, courtesy of Northrop Grumman:

1. An Engineering Marvel

To bring the B-2 to life, Northrop Grumman had to invent all components from scratch. That list included tools, a software laboratory, composite materials, special test equipment, and 3-D modeling and computer systems. Related manufacturing processes were also created.

2. Why it’s No. 1

When the U.S. must go to war, the B-2 is there on the first night. The B-2 went into enemy territory on Night One in support of Operation Allied Force (Serbia); Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan); Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and twice in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and Operation Odyssey Lightning. The B-2, one of the most survivable aircraft in the world, is the only aircraft to combine long-range, stealth and a heavy payload on a single platform.

3. Legendary Combat Debut

The B-2 saw its first operational use during Operation Allied Force. Two B-2s flew more than 31 hours from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Kosovo. They attacked multiple targets, then flew directly back. The B-2s flew less than 1 percent of the total missions, yet destroyed 33 percent of the targets during the first eight weeks of conflict.

4. Beast Mode: Longest Aerial Combat Mission in History

The B-2 holds the record for longest air combat mission in history. In 2001, the Spirit of America and five other B-2s were the first to enter Afghan airspace for a record setting 44-hour mission. The aircraft’s performance is even more impressive in that the B-2 made a quick pit stop for a 45-minute crew and service change with engines still running. It then flew back to Missouri for another 30-hour flight for a total of more than 70 consecutive hours.

5. Red Carpet Realness

When Hollywood needs a “super bomber” to make a cameo and fight off a giant monster or an alien invasion, the red carpet is rolled out for the B-2. With an unmistakable silhouette and flying wing design, it’s easily one of the most recognized aircraft in the world. It has appeared in movies including “Independence Day,” “Armageddon,” “Iron Man 2,” “Cloverfield,” “Airplanes,” “Rampage” and, most recently, “Captain Marvel.”

6. The Team Today

Northrop Grumman continues to upgrade and enhance the B-2’s capabilities, and service every B-2 aircraft. From the extensive programmed depot maintenance that ranges from the complete restoration of the jet’s exterior surfaces to software engineering, testing and development. Our employees also lead vehicle engineering, logistics and product support for the aircraft.

7. Dimensions

The B-2 is 69 feet long, 17 feet high and has a wingspan of 172 feet, half the length of a football field.

8. High Subsonic

The B-2 can reach a high subsonic speed and can also reach an altitude of more 50,000 feet.

9. Intercontinental Range

The B-2 can travel 6,000 nautical miles without refueling and 10,000 nautical miles with only one refueling. It can reach any point in the world within hours.

10. Payload

A B-2 can carry a payload of 20 tons.

Published
Christopher Breiler
CHRISTOPHER BREILER

Home/Football