"The demonstration represents another example of our commitment to maintain the B-2's flexibility to employ a variety of advanced weapons," said Mike Galaway, director of B-2 product development and delivery at Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "We also want to ensure that the nation's No. 1 long-range strike asset remains the most versatile and lethal bomber in the inventory."

During the demonstration at the Utah Test and Training Range at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, a B-2 delivered a live GBU-28C/B bomb with a new BLU-122 warhead, destroying the target. The 5,000-pound GBU-28C/B is a follow-on to the EGBU-28B/B that was successfully integrated on the B-2 in 2003. Improvements to the GBU-28C/B allow it to penetrate the target more deeply. The BLU-122 warhead and the upgraded guidance kit were integrated by Raytheon Missile Systems.

As the B-2 prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is responsible for integrating weapons with the B-2 system. Northrop Grumman has now successfully completed the key objectives associated with a $5.4 million contract awarded by the Air Force in February 2005 for GBU-28C/B integration.

Northrop Grumman and the Air Force are also working on several projects to improve the B-2's communications, radar and weapons capabilities to enhance the aircraft's ability to respond to emerging worldwide threats. Other projects include a new active electronically scanned array radar antenna, a Link-16 communications system and an upgraded onboard computer processor.

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