{"product_id":"academy-1-144-usaf-b-2a-stealth-bomber-plastic-model-kit","title":"Academy 1\/144 USAF B-2A \"Stealth Bomber  Plastic Model Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe B-2 \"Spirit\" is a long-range, heavy strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eFirst flown in 1989 and entering service in 1997, the B-2 is renowned for its distinctive flying-wing design and advanced stealth technology, enabling it to penetrate dense air defences and deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eConceived during the Cold War to counter evolving Soviet defences, the B-2's low observable characteristics, combined with high payload capacity and intercontinental range, give it unique strategic value.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eDespite its advanced design, development and production were slow and costly.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eFollowing collapse of the Soviet Union the plan for 132 aircraft was cut and subsequently only 21 B-2A aircraft were built.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eOnly the B-2A variant was produced. There were proposals and conceptual developments for further variants, but these never entered service.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe name \"Spirit\" was officially applied to the B-2A bomber at its rollout ceremony on 22 November 1988.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eAt that event, the aircraft was formally revealed to the public for the first time at Northrop's facilities in Palmdale, California, and it was announced as the \"B-2 Spirit\", reflecting its stealthy, almost ghost-like ability to avoid detection.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eSubsequently, each individual aircraft received its own unique name, typically honouring a U.S. state, such as \"Spirit of America\", \"Spirit of Kansas\", \"Spirit of New York\".\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eB-2s operate in frontline service today with the 509th Bomb Wing based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003ePeriodic upgrades will extend its operational life into the 2030s.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eTwo aircraft have been lost in accidents.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cul\u003e  \u003cli\u003e4 new sprues plus clear parts.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003eChoice of 5 markings.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003ePaint mask included.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48487903396061,"sku":"ACA-12645","price":49.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0504\/0708\/0110\/files\/ACA-12645.jpg?v=1788354119","url":"https:\/\/ultimatehobbies.com.au\/products\/academy-1-144-usaf-b-2a-stealth-bomber-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Ultimate Hobbies Site","version":"1.0","type":"link"}