An In-depth Look at the Design, History, and Use of Six Mighty U.S. Warplanes America's ongoing war on terrorism is a complex series of both overt and covert operations conducted in numerous countries, especially in Afghanistan, and waged by the military's considerable might on the ground, on the seas, and in the sky. Nearly all of these operations, from troop movements, surveillance, and domestic defense to the bombing of enemy positions and rescue and relief missions, are heavily reliant upon the support of air power. In this time of conflict, students are confronted daily with images of America's new war--images that often feature U.S. warplanes fulfilling their crucial strategic functions. As a result, there is a renewed interest among young people in these mighty machines and the pilots who fly them. Each lavishly illustrated title in the series will examine in great detail one warplane that has been used in the war in Afghanistan, discussing the plane's history, design, construction, capabilities, special features, weaponry, and strategic role past, present, and future. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, six B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base. Their mission was to fly halfway around the world and hit ground targets in Afghanistan. Aside from being the longest combat mission in the history of aviation, this mission ushered in a new age of modern warfare. For the first time, the U.S. Air Force had a bomber that combined long range, a large payload, near-precision weapons, and stealth. This title provides the inside scoop on the infamous stealth bomber, and details the fascinating history of this once top-secret plane.