Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit B-2A Block 30

Block 30 is the objective configuration of the programme, the one that meets the essential employment capabilities defined by the Air Force. The first aircraft delivered fully configured was AV-20 Spirit of Pennsylvania (93-1087), handed over to the USAF on 7 August 1997, followed by AV-21 Spirit of Louisiana (93-1088), in service from 11 November 1997.

Compared with Block 20, Block 30 has almost double the radar modes, enhanced terrain-following capability and the ability to deliver additional weapons, notably the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and the Joint Stand Off Weapon (JSOW). It also incorporates the configuration changes needed to conform to the approved radar signature, replacement of the aft decks, installation of the remaining defensive avionics functions and a contrail management system. Every Block 10 and Block 20 aircraft and the test airframes were brought to this standard in a modification process that began in July 1995 and was completed in June 2000.

The B-2 reached initial operational capability on 1 January 1997. Its combat debut came in the Kosovo War in 1999, where it was the first aircraft to deploy GPS satellite-guided JDAM bombs in combat. It has since flown over Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, in the 2025 strikes on Iran and in the 2026 Iran war. In its current configuration each aircraft has two internal bays with an official limit of 18,000 kg — although 27,000 kg has been carried operationally — with options ranging from 80 bombs of the 500-pound class to 16 B61 or B83 nuclear bombs on the rotary launcher, JASSM, JSOW or LRASM standoff weapons, or two 14,000 kg GBU-57 penetrators.