What it's like to service B-2s

[flateric]

Interesting IMHO photos of B-2 intake&exaust service operations.

 

[elmayerle]

That's just covering the extreme aft end of the exhausts. The exhaust pipes split a little ways aft of the engines with the forward portions coming out with the engines and the aft portions coming out separately due to having to be "snaked" out of the airframe.

 

[flateric]

Another interesting shot of B-2 inlet

 

[Avimimus]

I would not feel safe crawling into that thing

 

[flateric]

B-2 wheat starch blasting paint removal. Woman, scribing paint at 00:23 without any spray mask (not talking of protective costume), makes me wonder what she thought of...

INSTEAD OF USING SOLVENT-BASED 'WET' PAINT STRIPPERS, NORTHROP Grumman Corp. blast-cleans the composite surfaces of the B-2 stealth bombers with wheat starch. This dry alternative reduces hazardous waste, yet removes paint without damaging the composite. Processed to develop a crystalline texture, the starch, called EnviroStrip, removes paint by cutting rather than by fracturing the coating (as sand would).
Northrop Grumman Corp. uses EnviroStrip (which is made out of wheat starch, the product is marketed by CAE Electronics Ltd.)

http://ru.youtube.com/watch?v=ilNgs5wby7A

 

[flateric]

rarely seen stuff

 

[Mat Parry]

indeed, thanks for posting, an X-rated shot of the B-2

any significance of the last picture (other than locating the 2nd pictures chevron shaped assembly in the airframe)?

 

[flateric]

Just to note the depth of trench and wing profile

 

[Mat Parry]

Does anyone know, sorry I'll re-phrase, can anyone say... what is the purpose of the polka dot finish in the engine exhaust trench? I would assume it would be related to reducing IR signature?

 

[DSE]

Does anyone know, sorry I'll re-phrase, can anyone say... what is the purpose of the polka dot finish in the engine exhaust trench? I would assume it would be related to reducing IR signature?

My first guess is a CMC material.

 

[flateric]

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123104052
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123154263
http://www.meetingdata.utcdayton.com/agenda/asip/2010/proceedings/presentations/P4224.pdf

 

[Hammer Birchgrove]

Interesting finds, flateric!