Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit ||

A B-2 Spirit bomber is prepared for a morning mission at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The aircraft is from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Val Gempis)

A B-2 Spirit flies June 4, 2011, above Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., during the 2011 Dakota Thunder air show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan)

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintainers and crew chiefs, prepare B-2 Stealth Bombers for Operation Odyssey Dawn March 19, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny Holston)(Released)

An aircrew flies a B-2 Spirit over the airfield as part of an aerial demonstration for the 2010 Airpower Over the Midwest Air Show Sept. 11, 2010, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The B-2 is assigned to Whiteman AFB, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol)

Crew chiefs with the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a B-2 Spirit for flight Aug. 24, 2009, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The B-2's primary mission is to attack time-critical targets early in a conflict to minimize an enemy's warfighting potential. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior

Air Force Global Strike Command officials assumed responsibility for the Air Force's nuclear-capable bomber force, including the B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit shown here, Feb. 1, 2010. This action completes the step-by-step transfer of all Air Force long-range, nuclear-capable assets to the Air Force's newest major command. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Airmen 1st Class Patrick Holter (left) and Patrick Dixon start the high-five salute as they prepare to launch the first B-2 Spirit of the day Sept. 8, 2009, on the Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., flightline. The Airmen are crew chiefs with the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and work around the clock to stay prepared for real world missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kenny Holston)

A B-2 Spirit taxis down the flightline at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Aug. 22. Twenty B-2 bombers are assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kenny Holston)

Two F-22 Raptors and a B-2 Spirit bomber deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, fly in formation over the Pacific Ocean. The deployment to Andersen marks the first time F-22s and B-2s, the key strategic stealth assets in the Air Force inventory, deployed together outside the continental United States. (U.S Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)

A B-2 Spirit is towed to a parking spot Feb. 12 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The B-2, from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is one of four bombers currently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a B-2 Spirit Nov. 20 over the Pacific Ocean. The B-2 and KC-135 are deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence and theater security package operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Kimball)

A B-2 Spirit II flies over the Air Force Memorial during a practice flight over the Oct. 13 in Arlington, Va. The memorial dedication ceremony will be held Oct. 14. An Air Force open house will be held near the Pentagon in conjunction with the dedication ceremony that will feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Band, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard drill team, and a concert by country music performer LeeAnn Womack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Gary R. Coppage)

Two B-2 Spirit bombers and four F-15E Strike Eagles are parked inside Hangar 1 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 6. The aircraft were moved into the hangar in preparation for a tropical storm that was expected to reach Guam that day. This was the first time the six aircraft had been parked in the hangar, proving to base officials that the hangar could accommodate the aircraft, and aiding in future tropical storm and typhoon planning. The two bombers are deployed to the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo. The fighters are deployed to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield)

General Ronald E. Keys, Air Combat Command commander, said the Air Force is looking to get a next-generation long-range bomber by 2018. The command is funded for a new bomber, he said during his presentation Sept. 26 at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington D.C. Meanwhile, the current bomber fleet, including this B-2 Spirit, flying over the St. Louis Arch, will continue to be a mainstay in the war on terrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Justin D. Pyle)

A B-2 Spirit and 16 other aircraft from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fly over the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Ronald Reagan and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups in the western Pacific Ocean on Sunday, June 18, to kick off Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. (U.S. Navy photo/Chief Photographer's Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz)

Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental (VFX) program following the collapse of the F-111B project. 

The F-14 was the first of the American teen-series fighters which were designed incorporating the experience of air combat against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War. 

The F-14 first flew in December 1970 and made its first deployment in 1974 with the U.S. Navy aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. 

The F-14 served as the U.S. Navy's primary maritime air superiority fighter, fleet defense interceptor and tactical reconnaissance platform. In the 1990s, it added the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod system and began performing precision ground-attack missions. 

The Tomcat was retired from the U.S. Navy's active fleet on 22 September 2006, having been supplanted by the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. 

As of 2012, the F-14 was only in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, having been exported to Iran in 1976, when the U.S. had amicable diplomatic relations with Iran's government. Source

A plane captain conducts a daily inspection of his F-14D Tomcat that is assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31). Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are conducting combat operations in support of Operation Southern Watch. U.S.Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Philip A. McDaniel.

An F-14D “Tomcat” assigned to the "Bounty Hunters" of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) flies over the ship’s flight deck during Christmas morning flight operations. Constellation is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Felix Garza Jr. 

A Flight Deck Director guides an F-14D “Tomcat” assigned to Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) onto catapult one for its next catapult launch. VF-31 and other elements belonging to Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are flying combat missions over Southern Iraq in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Philip A. McDaniel. 

A flight deck crewmember guides an F-14D “Tomcat” assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) onto one of four steam driven catapults on the ship’s flight deck. This is the last cruise for the Bounty Hunters, as their squadron will be decommissioned along with the Constellation after this deployment. Constellation is on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Richard Moore. 

An F-14D “Tomcat” assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Thirty-One (VF-31), part of Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) conducts a combat mission in support of Operation Southern Watch. The “Tomcatters” and CVW-14 are aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during their regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jim Muse.

Hanger Deck Crew move a F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) onto one of four aircraft elevators aboard USS Constellation (CV 64). Constellation and Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain.

 At sea with USS Constellation (CV 64) May 13, 2003 -- During a rehearsal for Constellation's upcoming Tiger Cruise, an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) makes a high-speed turn in full afterburner while passing by the Constellation. Constellation and Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are returning to homeport following their deployment in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain.

An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) ignites its after burners following a launch from the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are at sea conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas.

An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) makes an arrested landing aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are at sea conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas.

A pair of F-14D Tomcats assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) conduct a fly-by of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64) with special messages for the upcoming Army vs. Navy Football Game. Constellation and Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are currently on deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Daniel J. McLain. 

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Dustin Wolfe, of Indianapolis, Ill., completes a pre-flight check on an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class J. Scott Campbell.

An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) sits on the flight deck aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the setting sun silhouettes the jet. Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are currently participating in Exercise Northern Edge while on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric

An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Bounty Hunters" of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) pulls out of a dive after a practice 20mm gun-strafing demonstration pass for the upcoming "Tiger Cruise," to be held aboard USS Constellation (CV 64). Constellation and embarked Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain

The sun sets behind a pair of F-14D Tomcats assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) as they are prepared to be sent down to the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are currently participating in a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas 

An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the "Grim Reapers" of Fighter Squadron One Zero One (VF-101), conducts a high-speed flyby causing vapor to form during its tactical flight demonstration at the 2005 Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. The last F-14 Tomcat flight demonstration will be flown at the air show as the aircraft is phased-out of the Navy’s inventory. The air show, held Sept. 16-18th, showcased civilian and military aircraft from the Nation's armed forces, which provided many flight demonstrations and static displays. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain

An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213), conducts aerial refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender during a mission over the Persian Gulf. VF-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), currently embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Scott Timmester 

An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213), holds in the landing pattern with its tailhook down after conducting a late evening mission over the Persian Gulf region. VF-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), currently embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Scott Timmester 

An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213), conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf. VF-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), currently embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Scott Timmester 

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets (F/A designation for Fighter/Attack). Designed byMcDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, since 1986.Source

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet maneuvers in position behind a KC-10 Extender Nov. 25, 2010, during air refueling operations over the mountains of Afghanistan. The KC-10 is assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin)

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- A Navy F/A-18 Hornet gets ready to taxi here. Two Navy Hornet squadrons are visiting Osan for a joint training exercise with local F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II units. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Stacie Shafran)

An F/A-18 Hornet from the Navy's Blue Angels stands by to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over Alaska on Aug. 14. The Blue Angels team had performed at an air show at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Anthony Nelson Jr.)

Navy F-18 Hornets from the Naval Air Station's Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans arrive to take part in the Valiant Shield exercise Aug. 6 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. During the exercise being held Aug. 6 to 13, Airmen will participate in integrated joint training with Navy and Coast Guard forces. Andersen AFB will also be the beddown location for approximately 64 Air Force and 29 Navy aircraft, plus transient aircraft, during Valiant Shield. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Miranda Moorer)

Navy F-18 Hornets from the Naval Air Station's Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans arrive to take part in the Valiant Shield exercise Aug. 6 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. 

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets deploy heat flares during a combat patrol over Afghanistan Dec. 15. Trust between joint terminal attack controllers and pilots serves as an important aspect of close-air support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)

Airmen look over a load plan as they prepare to load an F/A-18 Super Hornet onto a C-5 Galaxy on Aug. 18, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. This marked the first time a U.S. fighter jet had been successfully loaded into a cargo aircraft for transport back to the U.S. The Airmen are assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kandahar Airfield and the 22nd Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman David Carbajal)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing prepares to refuel Navy F/A-18 Hornets over Wake Island during an escort mission from Japan to the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ben Fulton)

Four U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets approach a KC-10 Extender for refueling Nov. 25, 2010, over the mountains of Afghanistan. The KC-10 Extender is deployed with the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn at an air base in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andy M. Kin)

OVER THE PERSIAN GULF -- An F/A-18C Hornet receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a combat mission here April 20. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Don Berry)

Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit - Stealth Bomber

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit (also known as the Stealth Bomber) is an American strategic bomber, featuring low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses; it is able to deploy bothconventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber has a crew of two and can drop up to eighty 500 lb (230 kg)-class JDAM GPS-guided bombs, or sixteen 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) B83 nuclear bombs. The B-2 is the only aircraft that can carry large air-to-surface standoff weapons in a stealth configuration.Source

OVER KANSAS -- The B-2 Spirit bomber is a revolutionary blending of low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and large payload gives the B-2 important advantages over existing bombers. Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles. Many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified; however, the B-2's composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing design all contribute to its "stealthiness." (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Olsen)

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- B-2 Spirit bombers taxi down the runway in preparation for the largest insertion of bombers since the Viet Nam conflict. This flight will mark the official beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Janice Cannon)

The "Spirit of Missouri" approaches the runway at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The B-2 bomber is returning from a combat sortie supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Francis M. Dupuis)

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- Airman First Class Angel Unate (left) and Senior Airman Alex Rodriquez wait to chalk the front gear of their B-2, the "Spirit of Kitty Hawk," as it taxis to final parking at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Both airmen are red flight crew chiefs of the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and will recover the bomber after it's combat mission over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Nixon)

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- A B-2 Spirit, returning from a mission over Iraq, takes on fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Indian Ocean on March 27. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- A B-2 Spirit drops 32 inert Joint Direct Attack Munitions Aug. 27 at the Utah Testing and Training Range here.

The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber 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. (U.S. Air Force photo)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Tech. Sgt. Kevin Ponton examines the wing surface of a B-2 Spirit Bomber here Oct. 21. Ponton is a structural maintenance technician from the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. He and several other Whiteman airmen were here for a Red Flag exercise. The exercise allows combat aircrews to train in a simulated-war environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael R. Nixon)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A B-2 Spirit bomber sits on the ramp here Oct 28. The bomber is from the 509th Bomb Wing from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. B-2 aircraft and people from Whiteman were participating in exercise Red Flag 04-01. Red Flags are war exercises that allow combat aircrews training in the most realistic simulated war environment possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael R. Nixon)

OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN -- A B-2 Spirit bomber refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker here during a deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The bomber deployed as part of a rotation that has provided U.S. Pacific Command officials a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing regional security and the U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific. The Spirit is from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo. The Stratotanker is assigned to the Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A B-2 Spirit and F-15E Strike Eagles fly in formation across the Pacific Ocean. The deployed fighters and bomber represent Pacific Air Force's projection of Global Strike and resolve for U.S. allies in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)

OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN -- A B-2 Spirit soars through the sky after a refueling mission here May 2. The B-2 is assigned to the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The bomber is currently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, as part of a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)