B-2A 93-1087 “Spirit of Pennsylvania” started to call Edwards AFB (CA) its new home, as it became the 412th Test Wing/419th Flight Test squadron platform for B-2A flight testing from June 2020.

The “Spirit of Pennsylvania” began its journey to Edwards in 2017, when the aircraft returned home to USAF Plant 42 in Palmdale (CA), where it was originally built, to serve as a test jet and undergo programmed depot maintenance (PDM) at Northrop Grumman.

“The B-2 PDM cycle is an end-to-end overhaul that ensures each B-2 is mission ready to serve the needs of the US Air Force,” said Benjamin Davies, vice president and B-2 programme manager, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “Our team dedicated countless hours to the Spirit of Pennsylvania and we are thrilled to deliver it to our partners at Edwards where it will support their test mission in our local skies for years to come.”

B-2s undergo PDM every nine years, and this was the Pennsylvania’s third PDM cycle. During its PDM, the aircraft received a complete restoration of its airframe and underwent exhaustive inspections of all electrical and mechanical systems. A large part of the statement of work performed by Northrop Grumman was the restoration of the Low Observable System on the aircraft that included a complete removal and re-application of its radar-evading materials.

The historic Plant 42 is the birthplace of all the Air Force’s B-2A Spirits, and where the first-ever Spirit conducted its maiden flight more than 30 years ago on 17 July 1989. It is also where they all conduct PDM services under the auspices of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Northrop Grumman. Following its PDM, the aircraft will be reassigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron. As a member of the Global Power Combined Test Force, the Spirit of Pennsylvania will be the base’s new test platform for B-2A flight testing.

Besides the B-2 Spirit, the Global Power CTF utilizes the two other bombers in the Air Force inventory: the B-1B Lancer and B-52H Stratofortress. The CTF is the lead organisation in flight testing avionics, mechanical, weapons and electronic warfare upgrades to the bomber fleet.

From Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo.
Airmen with the 509th Maintenance Squadron, 131st Maintenance Squadron and the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron worked together to restore the famed B-2 Spirit static display and placed it back on watch on October 18, 2020, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

The Low Observable corrosion section and Crash Damaged or Disabled Aircraft Recovery within Aero Repair took on the responsibility of keeping the static presentable.

“The LO flight first line of work is to prevent corrosion both on and off aircraft,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kyle Burian, 509th MXS LO structures section chief. “The most utilised tool we use to prevent corrosion is the use of paints.”

During the last restoration in 2017, the LO section experimented to see if they could find a more cost-effective and long-lasting way to keep the static display looking its best.

“The last time the B-2 static display was refurbished, a vinyl wrap was utilised,” said Burian. “Unfortunately, there had been unforeseen consequences that vinyl created which included water entrapment.”

Prior to the vinyl experiment, Airmen would refinish the static up to three times a year for 1-2 weeks at a time. During cold weather, the paint was difficult to cure, which led to the vinyl wrap being tested.

“It took the section a total of 5 weeks to complete,” said Burian. “This was to include repairing the dry rotted material, painting a primer coat, a top coat and adding the decals to make the static resemble an actual B-2 aircraft as much as possible.”

Learning from their past experiences, the LO shop decided to use matte grey automotive paint. The colour combination best mimics the colour of the B-2 skin and it will also withstand years of weather and UV damage.

Due to the nature of repairs on the B-2 display, both LO and CDDAR shops were able to utilize the restoration project as training.

“Projects, such as static display, create a great training experience for our Airman,” said Burian. “There are strict limitations that LO personnel have to adhere to, including paint thicknesses and smoothness requirements on the B-2 aircraft. Working on the static displays eliminate the strict deadlines and the stress of these requirements, allowing more time to be spent practising correct coating application and honing the art of spraying coatings.”

While the restoration project provided an opportunity to train Airmen in a low-stress environment, it also provided an opportunity for the 509th MXS to integrate with their counterparts from the Missouri Air National Guard, at the 131st MXS.

“I have experienced force integration from both sides and can truly say that here at Whiteman, we got it figured out,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Aeckerle, 131st MXS CDDAR team chief. “It’s a healthy mix of longevity with a seemingly endless wealth of knowledge that stays with the guard paired with the motivation and top of the line work ethic that the 509th gives forth. Together we accomplish the mission day in and day out.”

Airmen with the 131st MXS and the 72nd TES returned the aircraft to its pedestal during the October drill weekend.

“I believe the lift went well,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Pagano, 131st MXS CDDAR team chief and AR Superintendent. “We had a few new Airmen that got to experience a team lift that will be a valuable experience for them when a real aircraft lift is required. It also gave some of us that have the experience a refresh in team communication.”

Pagano was assisted in leading the lift operation by the 72nd TES.

Projects like the static display restoration, provide Airmen with the opportunity to maintain pieces of Air Force history, hone their skills to perform the mission, and preserve the statics for the Air Force family of the future to enjoy.