<hi style=afpcap>From above, we can see the exhausts on the Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which are shielded by the aircraft from an enemy's defensive systems below. First flight of the B-2 took place on 17 July 1989. The B-2 was scheduled to be declared fully operational with the 509th Bombardment Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri in 1997.</hi>