VISITING WITH HUELL HOWSER IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE RALPH M PARSONS FOUNDATION.

>> YOU CAN JUST BEGIN TO SEE IT FROM THE WEST.

IT'S A SHADOW.

A FLAT SHADOW COMING THROUGH THE AIR.

EVEN I AM EXCITED BY THIS.

IT'S LIGHT A LITTLE FLAT WEDGE COMING IN >> ISN'T THAT AMAZING IT'S GOING TO FLY A THOUSAND FEET >> YOU CAN'T HEAR A THING CAN YOU, BOB IN >> NO LOOK AT THAT >> HE'S DOING MANEUVERS.

THERE'S A TOWER THERE THATS REALLY HI.

>> LOOK AT THIS.

>> I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

>> THE EXCITEMENT IN THE AUDIENCE IS JUST INCREDIBLE.

>> THEY DO SPOT IT.

EVERYONE HAS SPOTTED IT NOW.

IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S COMING RIGHT AT US.

>> I'M KUERS ABOUT THE HORSES DOWN IN THE ORANGE GROVE.

LOOK AT THIS.

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES AIRFORCE.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE) >> YOU KNOW MY LEGS ARE WEAK.

>> THAT WAS SO EMOTIONAL.

>> I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN MY LIFE.

>> WOW.

>> NOBODY IS CYNICAL AT THIS MOMENT.

ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE.

>> IT WAS DEFINITELY AN EXCITING MOMENT.

NOT ONLY FOR STEF KNEE AND BOB FOR US AS WELL.

WHETHER YOU SAW IT IN PERSON OR WATCHED IT ON T.V.

WHEN THAT HUGE STRANGE LOOKING B2 STEALTH BOMBER FLUE OVER THE ROSE PARADE IT GOT YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING SOME BROKE OUT IN CHILLS.

I WAS AT THE ROSE PARADE THIS YEAR AND THE MOMENT THE B2 FLUE OVER ME I DECIDED I WANT TO SEE ONE OF THOSE STAR WARS PLANES UP CLOSE.

I HAD NO IDEA HOW I WOULD PULL SOMETHING LIKE THAT OFF.

I DECIDED RIGHT THEN AND THERE THAT MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION WAS TO FIND A B2 BOMBER.

TO START OUR JOURNEY AND QUEST IN SEARCH A B2 STEALTH BOMBER WE HAVE COME OUT HERE TO THE CHINO AIRPORT IN IS AN BERN AN BERNADINO COUNTY.

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MORNING.

WE ARE HERE BECAUSE IF YOU ARE IN SEARCH OF THE B2 YOU HAVE TO START WITH THIS PLANE FIRST.

IT'S VERY UNUSUAL AND ONE OF A KIND.

HERE TO TELL US ABOUT IT IS OUR WELCOMING COMMIT.

YOUR NAME >> RON >> I'M BRUISE >> GOOD MORNING BRUISE >> BOB >> GOOD MORNING SIR >> DIK.

>> GOOD MORNING.

THANK YOU FORGETTING UP THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING.

TELL US ABOUT THIS AIRPLANE AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE HERE FIRST BEFORE WE ACTUALLY TRY TO SEE A B2 STEALTH BOMBER.

>> THIS IS THE GENESIS.

THIS IS THE ONLY SURVIVING NORTHROP TLIEG WING MODEL FROM THE EARLY NORTHROP WING MODELS.

THIS WAS A PRO POE TYPE FOR THE B35.

IT'S THE ONLY SURVIVING MODEL THAT ACTUALLY FLIES.

THE SMITHSONIAN HAS A M1N AND THAT'S IT >> WHEN WERE THESE PRODUCED?

>> 1935.

>> THE FLYING WING WAS UNLIKE ANY AIRCRAFT DEVELOPED.

NO FUSELAGE OR LONG BODY.

IT HAD NO TAIL OR HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS OR THINGS FOUND ON ORDINARY AIRPLANES.

IT WAS PURELY AND SIMPLY A LONG SMRIP REE LOOKING WING.

>> IT'S A VERY UNUSUAL LOOKING PLANE, ISN'T IT?

>> A LOT OF THE CHARACTERISTICS FROM THE B2 COME RIGHT FROM THIS.

BACK IN THE EARLY DAYS THEY USE SCALE MODELS RATHER THAN FULL SIZE MODELS.

THIS IS THE THIRD SCALE OF THE ORIGINAL FLYING WINGS.

>> OKAY.

THIS IS JUST A THIRD OF THE SIZE OF THE OLD FLYING WING.

THIS IS LIKE A TEST MODEL.

>> YES.

A TEST MODEL.

YOU CAN THINK OF IT AS A BIG WIND TUNNEL MODEL THEY USED THE BIG WIND TUNNEL IN THE SKY.

THEY USED THE ELEVONS AND ALL THEY DEVELOPED FOR THE BIG FLYING WING AND THIS IS A PROTOTYPE FOR THAT.

>> THERE ARE NO TALL FULL SIZE FLYING WINGS LEFT ARE THERE?

>> UNFORTUNATELY THEY CHOPPED THEM ALL UP.

AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT THEY CHOPPED THEM UP AND MELTED THEM DOWN >> THERE WERE ABOUT 20 OR 25 OF THEM MADE >> YES.

>> THERE WERE ABOUT FOUR OF THESE MODELS MADE >> YES FOUR OF THESE M9'S.

>> LOOK AT THIS SHOT, LOUIE, LOOK AT THE LINES ON THIS.

EVEN FOR SOMEONE THAT'S NOT INTO AVIATION LIKE YOU.

IT'S AMAZING >> WE ALL THINK JACK NORTHROP WAS RIGHT.

THE BIG WING CREATES EFFICIENCY IT'S THE WAY TO GO.

YOU ARE SEEING IT ON NEW AIRPLANES.

>> BOTH OF YOU FELLOWS HAVE FLOWN THIS TALL PLANE HERE, WHAT'S IT LIKE WHEN YOU ARE UP IN THIS THING?

>> WELL IT'S KIND OF OVERCOME BY THE NOSTALGIA.

IT'S VERY IMPRESSIVE WHEN YOU THINK OF HOW FORTUNATE YOU ARE TO BE IN IT.

BESIDES IT'S A PLEASURE TO FLY.

YOU FEEL SOMEWHAT LIKE A SEAGULL, A GRACEFUL THING.

IT'S NOT A REAL SNAP EE FIGHTER.

IT DOESN'T DO A LOT OF THINGS FAST, IT'S VERY GRACEFUL.

YOU FEEL THAT AS YOU ARE FLYING IT.

>> YEAH.

BASICALLY IT'S JUST A BIG WING IN THE SKY ISN'T IT?

>> YES.

I HAVE A FUNNY STORY.

THE FIRST TIME I SAW THE B'S THEY SHOWED ME IT.

I LOOKED AT IT AND THE BIG WING AND FARTHER DOWN AND SAID HAVEN'T YOU FOR GOT SOMETHING.

>> THE TAIL >> THE TAIL, RIGHT.

IT'S A VERY GOOD FLYING AIRPLANE.

>> I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE YELLOW IS THIS THE THE COLOR IT ORIGINALLY WAS >> THEY HAVE SEVERAL PAINT SCHEMES.

BUT BLUE ON THE BOTTOM AND YELLOW ON THE TOP TO TELL WHAT SIDE IS UP.

>> THE BOTTOM IS BLUE AND THE TOP IS YELLOW.

WHEN YOU SEE IT COMING AT YOU IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE A LINE IN THE SKY >> THAT'S THE WHOLE IDEA.

A FLAT PLATE HARD FOR A RADAR OR VISUALLY TO PICK UP FOR THAT MATTER.

>> WELL JACK NORTHROP, THE MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS THING.

LOUIE HERE'S THE NAME ON THE FRONT.

HE WAS REALLY A VISIONARY >> YES HE WAS WAY AHEAD OF HIS TIME.

>> THE IDEA WAS THESE FLYING WINGS WERE DEVELOPED BACK IN THE LATE 1940'S AND THE CABOSH WAS PUT ON THEM.

ALL WERE CUT UP AND DESTROYED.

IT WAS APPARENTLY THE END OF HIS DREAM TO HAVE A FLYING WING.

UNTIL 30 OR 40 YEARS LATER THE B2 COMES BACK AS A MUCH BIGGER AND COMPLEX, MUCH MORE DESIGNED FEATURE OF WHAT THIS ORIGINAL LITTLE PROTOTYPE WAS ABOUT.

>> YOU BET.

THIS IS WHAT THIS IS EXACTLY ABOUT.

I THINK THE B2 IT COMING AROUND AND PROVING IT'S POINT.

IT'S A WONDERFUL SYSTEM AND IT WILL BE AROUND FOR A LONG TIME.

>> SO THAT BEAUTIFUL B2 WE SAW AT THE ROSE PARADE STARTED WITH THIS BACK IN THE 1940'S?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF THEM.

ONE HERE AT THE PLANES OF FAME MUSEUM AT CHINO AIRPORT AND THE OTHER AT THE SMITHSONIAN IN WASHINGTON.

>> THIS ONE FLIES.

>> THIS ONE FLIES.

YOU FLUE IT, YOU FLUE IT.

YOU ALL PUT IT TOGETHER >> JACK NORTHROP FLUE IN IT A NUMBER OF TIMES.

>> IN THIS PLANE?

>> YES >> THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT FIRST STOP ON OUR SEARCH.

LET'S GET EVERYONE AROUND.

THIS IS WHERE WE SHOULD OF COME TO START OUR JOURNEY, RIGHT?

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> NOW WE ARE GETTING READY TO HEAD OUT IN SEARCH OF A B2.

IS THERE GOING TO BE A PAYOFF AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.

>> I THINK SO.

YOU KNOW IT'S A STEALTHY AIRPLANE YOU'LL HAVE A TOUGH TIME FINDING IT.

>> THAT WON'T STOP US.

LOUIE AND I ARE HITTING THE ROAD.

WE ARE STARTING OFF TOMORROW MORNING EARLY.

WE ARE HEADING OUT IN SEARCH OF THE RELATIVE.

THE GRANDSON, WOULD YOU CALL IT?

>> THAT'S WHAT YOU COULD CALL IT.

>> OF THE ORIGINAL FLYING WING.

WE ARE GOING TO START IN THE MORNING AND WE ARE GOING TO FIND THAT DARN THING.

I DON'T CARE IF IT IS STEALTHY.

>> GOOD LUCK.

>> THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, VERY, VERY MUCH >> THANK YOU.

>> AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC AIRPLANE.

THE FLYING WING OUT HERE AT THE PLANES OF FAME MUSEUM IN CHINO.

>> NEXT MORNING IT'S EARLY AND RAINING.

WE'RE ON THE ROAD UP THE 5 TO THE 15 TO THE NORTHROP FACILITY WHERE THEY MAKE THE B2'S.

AFTER WE GOT LOST FOR A WHILE DRIVING AROUND THE HUGE NORTHROP PARKING LOT WE FOUND OUR DESIGNATED PARKING SPOT.

GOT READY TO GO INSIDE ON A TOP SECURITY ADVENTURE.

>> NOW WE'RE OUT OF THE CAR.

WE HAVE RUN INTO OUR FIRST BARRIER HERE.

CAUTION: SELL YOU'RE PHONES, CAMERAS, FILM, VIDEO KA SETS, RECORDSERS, AUDIO AND RADIOS MAY NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THIS FACILITY >> GOOD MORNING >> HI.

>> WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSE TO DO THAT'S A CAMERA >> YOU HAVE SPECIAL AUGUST RIIZATION TODAY.

YOU WILL BE GUARDED AT ALL TIMES TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T FILM WHAT YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO FILM.

>> HAVE YOU DONE A SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECK ON BOTH OF US >> A SECURITY CHECK WENT IN.

>> WE PASS IT DID?

>> I THINK SO YOU CAN COME IN.

>> WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE, BADGES >> TO WEAR WHILE YOU ARE ON SIGHT.

>> ONE MORE ME AND ONE MORE DO YOU EE.

U.S. AIRFORCE PLANT, SIGHT NUMBER FOUR, 1986.

ALL RIGHT WE'RE GOING INSIDE.

I HAVE YOUR BADGE LOUIE.

>> OKAY.

WE'RE GETTING THE ONCE OVER.

THAT'S JUST TAPES AND BATTERIES FOR THE CAMERA >> OKAY.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR.

>> I FEEL LIKE WE'RE GOING INTO FORT KNOX HERE >> MAYBE TIGHTER.

>> YOU DON'T NEED TO FRISK US >> NO YOU GO OVER TO YOUR HE IS SKOERTS HERE.

>> NICE TO MEET YOU SIR >> JOE MOORE I'M SECURITY MANAGEMENT.

>> LOTS OF SECURITY HERE >> YES.

WE'VE HAD IT FOR MANY YEARS HERE.

>> CAN WE KEEP THE CAMERA ON FOR A MINUTE?

>> WE CAN KEEP THE CAMERA ON AND WE'RE GOING BACK TO OUR PLANT VISITOR CENTER.

>> WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> WE HOST A LOT OF VISITORS AND MEETINGS HERE.

WE HAVE ONE ROOM SPECIFICALLY SET UP.

>> WAIT A MINUTE THERE'S THIS SIGN AGAIN.

A WARNING ABOUT NO CAMERAS HERE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT WE'RE MAKING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR YOU.

>> PROGRAM BADGE REQUIRED, OH BOY.

I FEEL LIKE AN ALARM IS GOING OFF >> THERE'S ONE GOING OFF RIGHT NOW.

>> REALLY?

>> YES.

THERE'S AN ALARM TO TELL US THE DOOR WAS ENTERED.

>> HERE'S ANOTHER SIGN, LOUIE, TON BRING A CAMERA IN HERE.

NOW, WE ARE IN THE -- OH, BOY, HERE WE ARE.

WE ARE JUST GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> GOOD MORNING >> GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING >> GOOD MORNING >> NICE TO MEET YOU.

>> WE WILL CUT THE CAMERA OFF IN A SECOND.

I KNOW THAT'S FIRST IN YOUR MIND.

>> I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT THAT.

>> WE DO HAVE TO CUT THE CAMERA OFF RIGHT NOW DON'T WE.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BRIEFING?

>> A SECURITY BRIEFING TO MAKE SURE HUELL HOWSER IS OKAY TO COME IN THIS PLACE.

>> SIR?

>> AND OKAY TO LEAVE.

>> WELL YOU HAVE SOME GREAT PICTURES ON THE WALL OF THE PRODUCTION OF THE BOMBER, ITSELF.

WE ARE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR MORNING HERE.

OKAY, LOUIE WE HAVE TO CUT THE CAMERA OFF FOR OUR BRIEFING.

>> OKAY.

TIME HAS PASSED.

IT'S NOW QUARTER TO 10:00 O'CLOCK.

WE HAD QUITE A BRIEFING.

I'M WITH BILL LAWLER YOUR TITLE >> I'M THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THIS DIVISION.

>> YOU ARE OUR TOUR GUIDE HERE >> YES.

WE WILL SEE WHERE THE B2 BOMBERS WERE ASSEMBLED AND TESTED.

>> THIS IS AN AMAZING ROOM RIGHT HERE.

A BIG ROOM.

>> THIS IS A MILLION SQUARE FEET OF SPACE THAT IS TAILORRED SPECIALLY FOR BUILDING AND USING, TESTING, CHECKING OUT THE B2 BOMBER.

IT'S ROLLED OUT OF HERE AND FLOWN AWAY TO FLIGHT TEST.

>> NOW, I HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF THIS ROOM ABSOLUTELY STACKED FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER WITH B2'S.

WHEN YOU LOOK OUT NOW, IT'S EMPTY.

>> YES.

WE HAD -- THIS BUILDING STARTING OVER HERE AND GOING DOWN WAS ABSOLUTELY FULL OF B2'S.

WE BUILT 21 B2'S HERE IN AN ASSEMBLY LINE FASHION.

AS YOU FINISH YOU MOVE IT FORWARD TO THE NEXT STATION AND THEN OUT THE DOORS WHEN THEY ARE COMPLETED.

>> WHAT'S INTERESTING IS SECURITY HAS TOLD US WE CAN SHOOT ALL OF THIS.

LOUIE, LET'S PAN OVER RIGHT TO THE SUCCESS SIGN OVER HERE.

BECAUSE THAT'S AS FAR AS WE CAN GO.

THERE'S STILL A B2 SITTING RIGHT HERE.

I CAN SEE IT, BUT WE CAN'T FILM IT.

>> THERE'S A REAL LIVE B2 BOMBER THAT'S BEEN OPERATIONAL AT WHITEMAN AIRFORCE BASE, THE SPIRIT OF MISSOURI SITTING AT THE END OF THE FACTORY FLOOR.

BACK FOR MODIFICATIONS.

THAT'S TRUE, WE ARE LOOKING AT THE AIRPLANE.

BECAUSE IT'S IN A STATE OF INCOMPLETION RIGHT NOW.

THINGS ARE OFF IT THAT ARE SECURITY CONSTRAINTS, SO WE CAN'T FILM IT.

THAT'S ONE OF THE PARADOXES OF THE STEALTH BUSINESS.

>> WE CAN LOOK AT PICTURES OF IT.

>> YOU CAN LOOK AT PICTURES OF THE FINISH PRODUCT BUT NOT PICTURES IN THE PROCESS OF BEING ASSEMBLED BECAUSE SOME OF THE DETAILS THAT ARE CLASSIFIED, WOULD BE VISIBLE.

>> THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION OF THOSE OF US WHO LIKE THESE KINDS OF THINGS.

THE SECRET SEE.

JUST THE NAME ITSELF.

THE DD.

IT'S BEEN DMROEKD THAT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING HASN'T IT?

>> THERE'S ALWAYS BEEN A MYSTIQUE.

EVEN AMONG THOSE ON THE PROGRAM, WORKING ON IT.

THERE'S A MYSTIQUE ABOUT WORKING ON A BLACK PROGRAM.

IT CAN BE A HARDSHIP ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

SOMETIMES IT'S AN IMPEDIMENT TO THE WAY YOU WANT TO GET THINGS DONE.

THERE'S AN ADRENALINE TO THAT MYSTIQUE ALSO.

>> WHAT DO YOU MEAN A HARDSHIP ON YOUR FAMILY?

>> WELL WHEN WE STARTED WE COULDN'T TELL THEM WHAT WE WERE WORKING ON.

I WOULD GO ON A TRIP FOR A WEEK AND YOU COULDN'T TELL YOUR WIFE WHERE YOU WERE GOING.

JUST TELL HER IT'S COMPANY BUSINESS.

THAT IMPLIES A LEVEL OF TRUST.

>> HA, HA.

>> YOU CAN'T TELL YOUR CHILDREN, FRIENDS, WIFE.

I'M WORKING ON ONE OF THE GREAT PROJECTS IN THE HISTORY OF AVIATION AND I CAN'T TELL ANYBODY.

>> WELL, LET'S TAKE A LOOK.

WE HAVE A PICTURE OVER HERE.

THIS WAS ALL BUILT BY THE AIRFORCE FOR THIS PROJECT OUT HERE AT PALM DALE, RIGHT?

>> RIGHT YOU WON'T SEE A SIGN THAT SAYS HOME OF THE B2 BOMBER.

THIS WAS BUILT AS A STEALTHY FACILITY.

YOU MOVE THE PLANES BETWEEN THE BUILDINGS >> THIS IS WHERE WE STARTED.

THIS IS WHERE WE HAD THE BRIEFING >> RIGHT.

>> THIS IS WHERE WE ARE NOW.

>> THIS IS THE MAIN ASSEMBLY BUILDING AND WE ARE UPSTAIRS.

>> THIS?

>> THIS IS THE PAINT BUILDING.

THE FINAL PAINT COAT IS DONE HERE.

THIS IS THE ENGINE RUN DOCK.

YOU RUN THE ENGINES AND CHECKS OF THE B2 WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING YOU WERE RUNNING A B2.

>> SO, NOBODY IN PALM DALE KNEW ANY OF THIS WAS GOING ON?

>> THEY KNEW SOMETHING BIG WAS GOING ON BUT NOT WHAT.

THE PEOPLE IN PALM DALE, I THINK ARE USE TO THAT.

A LOT OF BLACK PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN RUN IN PALM DALE.

THEY LEARN NOT TO ASK QUESTIONS.

>> LET'S TALK A MINUTE ABOUT THE BOMBER ITSELF.

IT TRULY IS REVOLUTIONARY IN MANY, MANY WAYS.

I HAVE LISTENED TO THE WHOLE BRIEFING THIS MORNING.

LOTS OF FACTS AND FIGURES.

MAYBE YOU CAN GIVE IT TO ME IN LANGUAGE WE CAN ALL SDPUNDS TRULY APPRECIATE.

>> YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FILM FOR ME TO TELL YOU ALL I WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU.

THE B IS TRULY REVOLUTIONARY.

THE B2 EVOLVED, FROM YOU KNOW, THE ORIGINAL FLYING WING DESIGNS OF JACK NORTHROP FROM THE 30'S AND 40'S.

>> I HAVE SEEN IT ACTUALLY AND WE HAVE FOOTAGE WE ARE SHOWING OF THE FLYING WING.

IN IT'S DAY IT WAS SCOFFED AT BY MANY PEOPLE AND PUT ON THE SHELF.

THEN THIS INITIAL DESIGN CAME BACK DECADES LATER.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

EVEN WITH ALL OUR TECHNOLOGY BEFORE WE FLUE THIS PLANE THE FIRST TIME IN 1989, THERE WERE VERY REPUTABLE PEOPLE THAT SAID IT WOULD NOT FLY.

WE COULD NOT CONTROL A TAIL LESS AIRPLANE THIS BIG.

BOY HAVE THEY BEEN PROVEN CONG.

THE B2 IS REVOLUTIONARY, IN THE SENSE, THE FIRST TIME YOU COMBINED STEALTHINESS IN A PLANE OF THIS SCALE.

>> EXPLAIN STEALTHINESS TO US.

>> IT EN COME PASSES LOW OBSERVE ABILITY TO SENSORS.

ALL KINDS OF SENSORS.

OUR EYES ARE A SENSOR.

OUR EAR ARES A CENSOR.

A RADAR AND AN INFRA RED DETECTOR IS A CENSOR.

WHEN STEALTHINESS VOFLZ MAKING THE PLANE HARD TO SEE TO ALL THOSE SENSORS.

YOU WANT IT TO BE HARD TO SEE TO THE EYE AND HEARD TO HEAR AND HARD TO SEE ON A RADAR SCOPE.

>> YOU DESCRIBED A BUILDING AS STEALTHY.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT MEANS YOU DON'T NOTICE IT, LITERALLY YOU DON'T NOTICE IT WITH WHATEVER YOU LOOK AT IT WITH.

WE WANT TODAY MAKE THE BUILDING SO WHEN PEOPLE DROVE BY THEY DIDN'T GET CURIOUS.

SO STEALTHINESS IS A DESIGN PHILOSOPHY THAT CAUSES US TO DO A LOT OF THINGS DIFFERENT.

>> WHEN IT FLUE OVER, OVER THE ROSE PARADE.

IT'S THE SHAPE, IT'S THE COLOR, IT'S ALL OF THESE THINGS COMBINED THAT HAS CAPTURED EVERYBODIES IMAGINATION?

>> YES IT.

IT CAPTURES THE PUBLIC.

YOU CAN'T IMAGE HOW IT CAPTURES US THAT WORK ON THE PROGRAM.

THERE ARE PROBABLY 40 THOUSAND PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES THAT WORKED ON THE B2 AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER.

MOST HAVE TEAR IN'S THEIR EYES WHEN THEY SEE IT FLY.

IT'S LIKE THE APOLLO PROGRAM IN SECRET SEE.

I WORKED ON THE APOLLO PROGRAM AND THE SPACE SHUTTLE AND THIS IS THE SAME MAGNITUDE >> AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU CAN TALK ABOUT IT?

>> IT'S A TREMENDOUS RELIEF.

IT'S LIKE OPENING A VALVE AND YOU COULDN'T WAIT TO GO HOME AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

>> OKAY.

THE TOUR CONTINUES.

NOW WE ARE AT THE EMPLOYEE CAFETERIA.

I WANTED TO TALK WITH SOME OF THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT ACTUALLY WORK ON THE B2.

WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS IN HERE?

>> EVERYONE IN HERE HAS TO BE IDENTIFIED BY A BADGE THAT'S VERY DISTINCTIVE IN NATURE OR UNDER THE ESCORT OF SOMEONE THAT'S BADGED.

WE COULDN'T ALLOW YOU TO WANDER AROUND IN HERE BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE THE BADGES.

EVERYONE WILL FIRST LOOK AT YOU AND CALL SECURITY BECAUSE YOU ARE APPARENTLY LOOSE AND OUT OF CONTROL.

>> I JUST CAN'T TALK WITH THE EMPLOYEES?

>> SURE YOU CAN.

ANYONE THAT'S WILLING TO TALK TO YOU CAN DO THAT ABOUT THEIR JOB WITHIN THE SECURITY CONSTRAINTS.

AS JOE JUST INDICATED YOUR ABILITY TO MOVE UNESCORTED AND OUT OF EAR RANGE IS SOMETHING THAT'S NOT ALLOWED.

>> YOU ALL HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME TALK WITH THEM?

>> IT'S NOT THAT WE WANT TO LISTEN.

WE CAN LISTEN AFTERWARDS.

FOR THEIR OWN COMFORT THEY NEED TO KNOW WE ARE ALLOWING YOU TO TALK WITH THEM AND FILM WHAT'S BEING SAID.

>> YOU THINK THEY MAY NOT WANT TO TALK?

>> CERTAINLY.

SECURITY IS SOMETHING THAT ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AND HAVE LIVED WITH FOR YEARS.

>> CAN WE TEST THIS THEORY OUT?

>> SURE >> YOU ALL STAY ABOUT A LITTLE BIT.

>> FELL AS HOW ARE YOU DOING >> FINE.

>> I'VE BEEN TOLD YOU MAY NOT WANT TO TALK.

>> TALK ABOUT WHAT >> THE B2 >> CAN'T SAY NOTHING.

>> NOTHING?

>> NO >> CAN YOU SAY YOU WORK ON IT?

>> YES I CAN SAY THAT MUCH.

>> CAN YOU SAY WHAT YOU DO?

>> I'M A SURFACE APPLICATER.

>> YOU'RE RIGHT.

THEY ARE CLOSED TIGHT LIP.

YOU WERE SMILING.

>> I CAN'T SAY MUCH OF WHAT I DO.

I'M HERE EATING LUNCH.

>> OKAY.

>> I'M AN AIRCRAFT PAINTER.

>> YOU PAINT IT?

>> YES, YOU CAN SAY THAT.

>> YOU PAINT THE B2 STEALTH BOMBER?

>> NO I'M AN AIRCRAFT PAINTER.

>> THEY ARE CLAMMING UP LIKE YOU SAID THEY WOULD >> WELL.

>> I SAID YOU PAINT THE B2 AND HE SAID NO I PAINT AIRPLANES.

>> OKAY.

>> YOU CAN'T EVEN SAY THE WORD B2?

>> WHAT'S THAT?

>> HA, HA.

>> THIS PLANE IS WONDERFUL.

IT'S A GREAT PLANE.

>> CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW IT?

>> YES.

IT'S NOTHING I HAD EVER SEEN BEFORE.

I CAME FROM THE F18 IT WAS WONDERFUL.

>> YOU CAN'T TALK ABOUT IT TO YOUR FRIENDS >> NOT AT ALL.

>> WHAT YOUS THAT HARD TO KEEP QUITE?

>> NOT REALLY.

IT WAS NICE TO HE CAN KEEP A ZRT.

I KNOW SOMETHING.

>> DO YOU HAVE ANY SKEEK RECEIPTS YOU CAN TELL US NOW?

>> NO.

I WOULD HAVE TO KILL YOU.

>> DID YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SECURITY CLEARANCE TO WORK HERE?

>> YES.

>> IN THE CAFETERIA >> YES.

WE WORK FOR NORTHROP.

WE GO THROUGH THE SAME SCRUTINIES THAT EVERYONE ELSE DOES.

DIFFERENT LEVELS REQUIRE DIFFERENT CRITERIAS.

THE BASIS IS THE SAME FOR ALL OF US.

WE HAVE ACCESS TO EVERYONE AND WE HAVE TO GO TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE PLANT >> HAVE YOU EVER SNUCK IN ON THE WHERE THEY MADE THE PLANE?

>> I DIDN'T SNEAK IT DID I GO THROUGH.

I HAD BUSINESS OUT THERE.

SOMEONE THAT DOESN'T WORK ON THE PLANE, IT WAS CERTAINLY SOMETHING TO SEE.

THAT'S FOR SURE.

>> SO YOU LIKED THE IDEA OF IT BEING SECRET?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU ALWAYS HEAR ABOUT THE UFO'S AND THAT KIND OF THING.

YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON IS ANOTHER PROGRAM BEING DEVELOPED.

SOMEBODY IS WORKING ON SOMETHING.

>> SO, WHAT YOU ARE SAYING A LOT OF THESE PEOPLE THAT SAY THEY SEE AN UFO -- >> I CAN'T SPECULATE >> MIGHT OF SEEN THE TESTING OF THE STEALTH ITSELF?

>> I WOULD SAY THAT'S A STRONG RATION NALIZATION.

SPECIALLY IN THE ANL LOPE VALLEY EE WITH BOEING AND LOCKEED ACROSS THE STREET.

YOU ALWAYS HEAR ABOUT STRANGE SOUNDS IN THE NIGHT.

>> WE HAVE FINISHED OUR TOUR AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FORGIVING US THIS INSIDE TOUR >> THANK YOU >> GLAD YOU COULD COME >> A VERY SECRETIVE PLACE IN PALM DALE.

WE ARE STANDING IN FRONT OF A STEALTHY BUILDING >> NONDESCRIPT BUT VERY HIGH-TECH AND LARGE >> THAT'S WHERE WE WERE INSIDE THAT BUILDING.

THIS HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL FIRST LOOK AT THE B2 T AND IT'S FACILITIES OUT HERE.

THE NORTHROP IN PALM DALE WHERE IT IS ACTUALLY PUT TOGETHER T AND ROLLED OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE.

THE QUESTION IS THOUGH WE STILL HAVEN'T -- I STILL HAVEN'T TOUCHED ONE.

I STILL HAVEN'T SEEN ONE >> YOU ARE GOING OVER TO EDWARDS NOW AND YOU CAN NEGOTIATE WITH THE AIRFORCE ABOUT TOUCHING ONE.

>> YOU THINK WE ARE GOING TO?

>> I WOULDN'T PUT MY MONEY ON YOU >> DO YOU THINK I COULD TALK THEM INTO IT?

>> YOU'RE PRETTY GOOD AT TALKING.

>> THAT'S WHERE WE ARE GOING NEXT, TO EDWARDS AIRFORCE BASE IN SEARCH OF A B2 WE CAN GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH >> MORE POWER TO YOU.

I HOPE YOU DO.

>> WE HAVE NOW LEFT NORTHROP IN PALM DALE.

WE ARE HEADING TO EDWARDS AIRFORCE BASE.

WE JUST WENT THROUGH THE FIRST GUARD SHACK AND WE ARE ABOUT 4 MILES AWAY FROM THE B2 FACILITIES HERE AT WED WARDS.

THEY ARE EXPECTING US.

WE ARE A LITTLE EARLY IT'S 11:15 WE ARE SUPPOSE TO BE THERE AT 12:00 O'CLOCK.

THIS IS WHERE WE ARE GOING TO SEE ACTUALLY UP CLOSE A B2 BOBBINGER.

OKAY WE ARE HERE.

WE HAVE MET UP WITH >> LUET DAN >> YOUR POSITION HERE >> SECURITY >> SECURITY WE HAVE HEARD THAT WORD BEFORE >> YOU WILL HERE IT QUITE A BIT TODAY.

>> WE HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN OUR BADGES HERE, RIGHT?

>> UNCLEARED VISITOR BADGES.

>> WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> YOU ARE NOT CLEARED FOR THE PROGRAM >> WE ARE CLEARED TO GO THROUGH TODAY.

>> SO, WE CAN GO OUT HERE AND HERE ARE, ARE THESE, ARE THESE MORE, ARE YOU ALL WAITING FOR US?

HUELL HOWSER >> BILL.

>> YOU ARE WERE >> COMPUTER SCIENCE CORPORATION.

>> YOU HAVEN'T SAID THE WORD SECURITY YET.

>> PHOTO SECURITY.

>> OKAY.

>> GARY, PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

>> PUBLIC A QUAIRZ >> LUET GLENN.

>> DAN >> PHOTO SECURITY.

WHAT DOES PHOTO SECURITY MEAN?

>> WELL, I GUESS IT BLOCKS YOUR SHOTS FOR YOU.

THINGS YOU CAN SHOW AND THINGS YOU CAN'T.

WE STAER YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WHEN YOU DO YOUR INTERVIEWS.

>> WHEN WE DO THE INTERVIEWS OUT HERE BY THE B2'S TODAY THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WE CAN SHOOT AND CERTAIN THINGS WE CAN'T SHOOT,; IS THAT CORRECT?

>> YES >> YOU ARE GOING TO TELL US, OFF THE AIR WHAT THOSE THINGS ARE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T TELL THEM TO US ON THE AIR, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> CORRECT.

CORRECT.

>> WHY CAN'T YOU TELL US ON THE AIR?

>> THOSE ARE THE RULES.

>> SO WE ARE GOING TO CUT THE CAMERA OFF AND YOU ARE GOING TO TELL US WHAT WE CAN'T SHOOT, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> PRETTY MUCH.

>> WHAT'S THIS FOR.

>> THIS INED INDICATES TO EVERYONE ON THE COMPOUND THAT YOU ARE UNCLEAR AND NOT TO DISCUSS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.

>> SO YOU HAVE TO BE WITH US ALL DAY WITH THIS?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> BEEPING LIKE THIS?

YES.

IT'S GOING TO BE FLASHING.

YES.

ALWAYS.

I NEVER FELT SO WELCOME IN MY LIFE.

THANKS A LOT.

>> ON THE BACK OF YOUR BADGE THERE'S A NUMBER.

YOU SWIPE YOUR BADGE AND ENTER THE NUMBER ON THE KEY BAD.

>> CAN WE SHOW THAT ON THE AIR?

>> NO.

>> NO WE CAN'T.

LIKE THIS.

ENTER THE NUMBERS AND THE POUND SIGN.

>> OKAY WE HAVE MADE IT THROUGH AND GOTTEN RID OF COATS BECAUSE WE ARE NOW INSIDE >> BAY THREE >> THIS IS BAY THREE.

AREN'T THERE SUPPOSE TO BE B2'S IN HERE.

>> ON THE WHEN THEY ARE IN HERE FOR MAINTENANCE.

>> THEY ARE NOT HERE >> NOT AT THE MOMENT.

>> WHERE IS ONE?

>> WE HAVE ONE IN BAY TWO NORTH.

>> RIGHT THROUGH THIS DOOR?

>> THROUGH THIS DOOR >> THESE LOOK LIKE THE PILOTS HERE.

>> MIKE >> HUELL HOWSER.

>> TIME TONY GRADY COMMANDER FOR THE TEST SQUADRON.

WE'RE HERE TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR, FOR A WHILE >> SINCE ABOUT 7:00 O'CLOCK THIS MORNING >> YOU ARE PERSISTENT.

YOU HAVE SURVIVED WHERE OTHERS HAVE FAILED.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

IT'S RIGHT BEHIND THIS DOOR RIGHT.

>> WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR.

>> NOW, THE GUY WITH THE RED LIGHT DOES HE HAVE TO BE IN HERE WITH US HERE?

PIFRJTS JUST INSIDE THE DOOR AND THE COLONEL WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

>> YOU ARE KEEPING THE LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES?

>> YES.

>> WE ARE BEING ESCORTED?

>> SO OTHER PEOPLE KNOW WE HAVE VISITORS.

>> WATCH YOUR STEP LOUIE.

THERE IT IS.

WE HIT THE JACKPOT.

WE FOUND ONE.

>> YES.

THIS IS THE B2 STEALTH BOMBER.

HERE IN THE 2420TH FLIGHT TEST SQUADRON.

WE ARE THE FOLKS THAT TEST THE B2.

OUR MAIN JOB IS TO MAKE SURE THE CONTRACT OF NORTHROP HAS PROVIDED FOR US WHAT WE CONTRACTED FOR.

WE MAKE SURE THE PLANE MEETS IT'S REQUIREMENTS AND HERE IT IS.

>> NOW, I'M SCARED TO DEATH.

I'M NOT SURE WHAT WE CAN SHOOT AND WHAT WE CAN'T.

IS IT ALL RIGHT TO SHOW IT LIKE THIS?

>> SURE SHOW THE WHOLE THING.

SHOW THE PEOPLE HOW BIG IT IS.

IF WE WALK OVER TO IT THEY WILL HAVE A GOOD PERSPECTIVE AS TO HOW TALL WE ARE AND WHAT THE AIRPLANE LOOKS LIKE.

WE ARE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU OUR AIRPLANE HERE.

YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE ENGINES ON THE LEFT.

>> YOU HAVE IT COVERED ON THE TOP?

>> RIGHT.

THAT'S THE INTAKE FOR THE ENGINES THERE.

WE HAVE THE COP PIT WINDOW COVERED SO WE DON'T DO DAMAGE WHILE IT'S HERE DURING MAINTENANCE.

THE TUBES COMING IN, THIS IS LIKE A LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THE AIRCRAFT WITH AIR AND ELECTRICITY WHILE WE WORK ON IT ON THE GROUND.

>> NOW IS THIS PLANE FLYABLE RIGHT NOW, OR IS IT IN HERE FOR BIG OVERHAUL?

>> THIS PLANE IS FLYABLE RIGHT NOW.

THIS IS IN BETWEEN FLIGHT MAINTENANCE.

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO AD, MIKE?

>> YOUR JOB HERE?

>> MY BASIC JOB IS FLIGHT SAFETY.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE JOB IS DONE, AND DONE SAIFTLY.

WE WANT TO GIVE THE GUYS AT WHITEMAN THE OPERATIONAL CRUZ THE BEST AIRPLANE WE CAN.

WE NEED TO DO IT ON TIME AND ON SCHEDULE AND MEET OUR COST ESTIMATES BUT SAIFTLY ALSO.

>> NOW THE GUYS AT WHITEMAN, THAT'S WHERE THE B2'S OUR BASED IN MISSOURI >> THAT'S CORRECT.

THEY ARE THE 509TH BOMB WING AT WHITEMAN AIRFORCE BASE.

THAT'S WHERE THEY FLY THE FIRST OPERATIONAL BIRDS ARE THERE.

>> HAVE YOU BEEN UP IN ONE OF THESE?

>> YES, SIR, -- >> YOU A PILOT >> YES, SIR.

I'M A WHIZO >> WHIZOS?

>> YES, SIR.

WE DO THE ARMAMENT TESTING AND EVALUATE THE RADAR SYSTEMS.

THAT'S WHERE MY PAST EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN.

>> CAN WE WALK OVER?

>> YOU CAN WALK OVER.

>> I'M SO PARANOID BEING CLOSE TO THIS.

>> AS A PILOT HOW EXCITING IS IT TO FLY ONE OF THESE THINGS?

>> IT'S EXCITING.

I WAITED A LONG TIME TO FLY THE B2 ABOUT 8 YEARS WHEN I GRADUATED FROM TEST SCHOOL.

>> WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WAITED?

>> I HAD TO DO A NUMBER OF JOBS WHEN I GOT OUT OF TEST PILOT SCHOOL.

THEY WERE ALL VERY GOOD.

THE DREAM OF ALL TEST PILOTS IS TO FLY A DEVELOPMENTAL AIRCRAFT, A NEW AIRCRAFT.

THIS IS A NEW AIRCRAFT.

THE CONCEPT IS OLD BUT OUR COMPUTING CAPABILITIES HAVE ALLOWED US TO OVERCOME SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FLYING WING.

OF COURSE EDWARDS AIRFORCE BASE IS NAMED AFTER GLENN EDWARD WHO MET HIS DEMISE IN A FLYING WING.

THOSE VERY THINGS THAT CAUSED HIM A FATAL ACCIDENT HAVE BEEN OVERCOME.

THIS IS VERY EXCITING.

THE DAY I FLUE THIS AIRCRAFT I CAN'T ARTICULATE IT, IT WAS OUTSTANDING.

>> THIS IS THE GRANDSON OF JACK NORTHROP INITIAL AIRCRAFT WITH PER PELERS FOR ENGINES.

THEY WENT TO A JET ENGINE DESIGN THEN.

THIS IS 50 YEARS AGO.

THIS IS REALLY THE GRANDSON OF THE FLYING WING DESIGN.

AS COLONEL GRADY SAID IT'S THE PROCESSERS, COMPUTING SPEED AND CAPABILITY THAT WE CAN USE FOR FLIGHT CONTROLS TO HELP FLY THIS THING.

MANUALLY WE COULDN'T FLY IT.

IT'S NOT A STABLE MACHINE.

>> WHAT IS IT, FOR EXAMPLE.

HE'S STANDING OVER THERE IN FRONT OF THE PLANE.

WHAT IS IT THAT IS -- WELL I GUESS YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT IT IS SO SECRET ABOUT THIS PLANE, CAN YOU?

>> THE SECRET THING ABOUT THIS SMRAIN IT'S VERY HARD TO SEE WITH RADAR.

YOU CAN SEE THE SIZE OF IT.

UNFORTUNATELY YOU ARE NOT HERE DURING OUR NORMAL FLYING OPERATIONS.

WE FLY WITH A F16 ON THE WING ALL THE TIME TO ESCORT US.

GET IN YOUR MIND THAT, THAT SMALL F16 HAS A BIGGER PICTURE TO RADAR THEN THIS BIG PLANE.

THAT'S THE UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE B2.

BESIDES THE FACT IT DOESN'T HAVE VERTICAL STABILIZERS LIKE NORMAL AIRCRAFT.

IT FLIES WELL AND IS VERY SMALL ON RADAR.

>> YOU KNOW OF COURSE HOW EXCITED PEOPLE GET WHEN THEY SEE THIS IN THE AIR.

YOU HEARD WHAT HAPPENED AT THE ROSE PARADE THIS YEAR.

>> WE HEARD WHAT HAPPENED.

OUR BROTHER AT WHITEMAN AIRFORCE BASE DEMONSTRATED THE AIRCRAFT TO THE PUBLIC.

>> I HAD A GOOD OPPORTUNITY NOT THIS PAST YEAR, THE YEAR BEFORE.

I FLUE THIS AT THE EDWARDS AIR BASE AIR SHOW.

IT WAS QUITE A TREAT.

EVEN FROM THE COCKPIT, I WAS ON THE RIDE SIDE OF THE AIRPLANE OF COURSE.

WE MADE A PASS ON THE CROWD.

THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ALL PUSHED UP TO THE ROPE WATCHING THIS AIRPLANE COME BY >> WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS, DO YOU THINK BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S FROM STAR WARS?

IS IT THE SHAPE, THE COLOR, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> IT'S ALL OF THE ABOVE.

IT'S A VERY IMPRESSIVE AIRCRAFT.

YOU ARE CORRECT.

IT LOOKS VERY UNIQUE.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE AIRCRAFT IT LOOKS LIKE A LINE IN THE SKY AND AS IT GETS CLOSER IT GETS BIG KER AND THEN DISAPPEARS INTO A LINE AS IT GOES AWAY.

IT'S ALMOST AS IF THE AIRCRAFT IS MUTATING BEFORE YOUR EYES.

IT HAS AN UNIQUE AND IT'S VERY PRETTY WHEN IT FLIES.

>> WHERE DO YOU RANK IN HIERARCHY NOW THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE B2 >> WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY HIERARCHY?

>> ARE YOU ENVY OF PAY LOTS TO FLY SOMETHING LIKE THIS?

>> I DON'T THINK.

IN THE AIRFORCE EVERYONE HAS A JOB TO DO.

>> DON'T BE THAT POLITICAL ABOUT IT.

THIS IS AN EXCITING JOB.

>> IT'S NOT POLITICAL.

WE HAVE A SPECIFIC JOB TO DO.

OUR END GOAL IS CREATING A COMBAT MACHINE FOR THE GUYS AT WHITEMAN TO HAVE.

THE B2'S MISSION IS TO PUT BOMBS ANYWHERE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH AT ANYTIME.

WHEN THE PRESIDENT PICKS UP THE PHONE AND SAYS GO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE AIRPLANE IS READY TO GO.

WE ENJOY FLYING IT DON'T GET ME WRONG.

OUR OBJECTIVE IS MAKING SURE IT'S COMBAT READY TO GO.

>> IT'S A VERY SERIOUS MISSION.

THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU DON'T GET A RUSH OF ADRENALINE WHEN YOU TAKE OFF?

>> CERTAINLY.

IT'S WONDERFUL TO FLY.

>> CAN I TOUCH THE PLANE?

>> CERTAINLY YOU CAN TOUCH THE PLANE.

>> DON'T SAY IT SOUNDS LIKE A STOOPED QUESTION.

>> LET'S GO TOWARDS THE HATCH.

WE ARE GOING UP IN THE COCKPIT.

>> WHAT IS THIS MADE OF?

>> COMPOSITE MATERIAL.

>> COMPOSITE MATERIAL, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> IT'S NOT LIKE A CONVENTIONAL AIRCRAFT WITH ALUMINUM THAT'S PUT TOGETHER.

COMPOSITE MATERIAL IS CHEMICAL MATERIAL, MAY VOFL FIBER CLASS, CARBON AND OTHER THINGS.

THIS IS PUT TOGETHER TO FORM THE AIRCRAFT.

>> IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL TOO, WHAT IT'S MADE OF?

>> CERTAINLY.

>> WE ARE GOING UP?

>> WE ARE GOING UP IN THE COCKPIT, CERTAINLY.

>> I'LL LET YOU GO UP FIRST.

>> WE'LL HEAD ON HUP AND TURN ON THE LIGHTS.

>> THIS IS EXCITING.

NOW, THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN VERY OFTEN, INFORM GO UP?

>> NOT OFTEN AT ALL.

YOU ARE PROBABLY THE FIRST ONE.

>> HOW DID WE GET CLEARANCE TO DO THAT?

>> YOU'RE LUCKY.

>> OKAY.

WE ARE GOING UP.

OKAY.

BOY THERE'S NOT, THERE'S NOT MUCH ROOM UP HERE.

>> WE HAVE A LOT OF PRECIOUS SPACE IN AIRCRAFT.

SO, WE LOAD IT WITH EQUIPMENT TO DO THE MISSION.

NOT A LOT OF ROOM FOR CREATURES.

>> THE PLANE JUST HAS TWO PILOTS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IT WAS DESIGNED ORIGINALLY WITH THE THOUGHT OF A THIRD PILOT TO SIT WHERE YOU SIT.

RIGHT NOW IT'S JUST A TWO PILOT MISSION.

>> HOW LONG CAN YOU ?AI THIS PLANE AT A TIME ON A MISSION?

>> WE CAN STAY IN THE PLANE FOR A LONG TIME.

RIGHT NOW OUR REGULATION AS LOU US TO FLY FOR 24 HOURS.

THE AIRCRAFT REQUIRES REFUELING.

THIS IS A BOMBER, WE CAN STAY AIRBORNE AS LONG AS WE CAN GET GAS.

>> AT NORTHROP THEY SHOWED US A PICTURE OF THE COCKPIT ALL LIT UP.

WE COULDN'T HAVE THE POWER ON TODAY FOR SECURITY REASONS?

>> FOR SECURITY REASONS.

AS YOU ASKED BEFORE THIS PLANE IS READY TO NRIEN.

THEY ARE DOING PIN BETWEEN FLIGHT MAINTENANCE.

WE HAVE AN ACTUAL MISSION.

THERE ARE THINGS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SHOW THE PUBLIC, FOR NATIONAL SECURITY IT'S NOT PRUDENT.

>> NOW THE WINDSHIELD HERE IS COVERED, RIGHT NOW?

>> AS WE TALKED TO YOU BEFORE.

DURING THE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE WE COVER IT UP.

>> GIVE US A FEELING OF WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE SITTING WHERE YOU ALL ARE SITTING RIGHT NOW AND GLIDING OUT OVER THE COUNTRY -- NOT GLIDING MOVING OUT OVER THE COUNTRY SIDE?

>> WE HOPE WE'RE NOT GLIDING.

>> WHAT DOES THE SENSE GIVE YOU?

>> ONCE YOU WALK UP THE LADDER YOU FORGET ABOUT THE AIRPLANE YOU HAVE.

IT HAS A CONVENTIONAL STICK AND THROTTLE.

THIS PLANE FLIES VERY NICELY LIKE ANY OTHER >> IT DOESN'T FEEL ANY DIFFERENTLY?

TIFRJTS IT'S TRUE.

AIRPLANES FLY.

AS BIG AIRPLANE WE DON'T HAVE VERY HEAVY STICK FORCES.

IT'S VERY RESPONSE SIF.

NORTHROP DID A VERY NICE JOB WITH IF.

WHEN YOU ARE FLYING YOU ALMOST THINK THE PLANE WHERE YOU WANT IT INFORM GO AND THE AIRPLANE GOES THERE.

MOST BIG AIRPLANES OF THE OTHER VENTAGES HAVE A YOLK IN HERE.

WE ARE A FLY BY WIRE AIRCRAFT WITH A CONVENTIONAL STICK AND IT HANDLES VERY WELL.

THE REASON IT IS THE MISSION CAN BE LONG AND COMPLICATED.

YOU WANT THE FLIGHT TO BE EASY SO IT'S NOT ADDED FA TEEJ.

THE B2 REQUIRES MUCH MORE OF THE MENTAL PROCESS.

HAVE YOU TO STAY ON TOP OF THE MISSION.

STAY ON TOP OF WHERE YOU ARE IN THE MISSION.

THERE'S A LOT MORE MENTAL ACTIVITY THAT GOES INTO IT.

IT'S A DREAM TO FLY.

WHEN YOU ARE UP FLYING.

THE HARD PART IS YOU CAN'T SEE, YOU DON'T HAVE A LOT OF VISIBILITY.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO SEE OUTSIDE.

WE DON'T GET A SENSE OF ALL THAT'S AROUND US BECAUSE OF THE IS HERE SIZE OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THE SMALL WINDOWS WE HAVE.

IT IS NEAT TO LOOK OUT THE WINDOW.

WHEN WILL YOU FLY HAVE YOU TO DO THAT, YOU JUST HAVE TO DO IT.

>> WHEN YOU GET LOW AND FAST.

YOU DEFINITELY GET A FEELING OF THE GROUND RUSHING PAST YOU.

>> NOW WE ARE OUTSIDE THE PLANE.

YOUR POSITION HERE >> THE PRODUCTION SUPER INDENNED ENT FOR B2 COMPOUND.

>> WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> I'M IN CHARGE OF THE MAINTENANCE ON THE AIRPLANES HERE.

>> CAN WE WALK DOWN HERE >> SURE >> COME ON LOUIE.

WHAT ARE THESE GUYS DOING?

>> THEY ARE PREPARING FOR PREFLIGHT.

IT'S GOING TO FLY TONIGHT ON A MISSION.

>> HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO KEEP THIS PLANE FUNCTIONING?

>> RIGHT NOW WE HAVE 36 PERSONAL ASSIGNED TO THE PLANE.

EACH B2 HAS APPROXIMATELY 36 PERSONAL.

>> HOW MUCH SPECIALIZED TRAINING DO THEY NEED?

>> BECAUSE WE WORK WITH NORTHROP.

WE REQUIRE NORTHROP AND AIRFORCE TRAINING.

>> THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF HERE?

>> VERY HIGH-TECH.

>> THEY ARE WORKING ON?

>> THEY ARE SETTING UP A PREFLIGHT USING THE COMPUTER.

>> I UNDERSTAND THAT BEFORE WE COULD SHOOT, WHERE'S THE SECURITY GUY?

>> HE'S RIGHT OVER THERE.

>> HA, HA.

BEFORE WE COULD EVEN SHOOT TODAY YOU HAD TO COVER UP SOME THINGS ON THE PLANE, RIGHT?

>> CERTAIN ITEMS ON THE PLANE.

YES.

>> SO EVEN THOUGH WE CAN ACTUALLY STAND NEXT TO THE PLANE.

WHAT THE VIEWERS DON'T REALIZE IS THERE ARE SOME THINGS THEY CAN'T SEE BECAUSE YOU HAVE COVERED THEM UP BECAUSE THEY ARE STILL TOP SECRET?

>> NO, I'M NOT SAYING THAT.

I'M SAYING THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT CAN'T BE SEEN ON THE AIRCRAFT.

>> THERE ARE STILL THINGS ABOUT THE PLANE THAT ARE MYSTERIOUS, THAT CAN'T BE SHOWN ON TELEVISION?

>> CLASSIFIED YES.

>> WE CAN GET HERE.

DO YOU THINK THAT WILL CHANGE?

>> SOMED IT WILL, MAYBE.

>> NOT WHILE WE'RE HERE >> NOT WHILE HERE WE'RE.

>> NOW HERE OVER TO THE SERIOUS STUFF.

>> NICE TO MEET YOU.

>> THESE ARE BOMBS >> YES >> SOMETIMES WE FORGET THE FACT, WE GET WRAPPED UP WITH WHAT THE B2 IS ABOUT AND WE FORGET IT'S ABOUT DELIVERING PAY LOADS, WEAPONS AGAIN THE ENEMY.

WHAT CAN IT DO?

>> THE B2 WILL HOLD BOTH OF THESE.

IT CAN HOLDUP TO 8 ON EACH.

IT ALSO HOLD BRLA'S >> I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

>> A BOMB RACK ASSEMBLY.

>> THESE PR TWO THOUSAND POUND BOMBS >> YES, THEY ARE.

>> THAT CAN DO SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE.

>> SURE CAN.

>> WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR YOU TO WORK WITH A PLANE THAT CAN CARRY THIS CONFIGURATION OF ORDINANCE?

>> WELL, IT'S A FASCINATING JOB.

MAYBE ONE OF THE FASCINATING THINGS IS THE WAY WE DO LOAD THESE.

WE DO IT REMOTE CONTROLLY.

LIKE A RACE CAR.

WE PLUG IT INTO THE WALL AND ENGAGE IT.

THESE SPIN AROUND AND GO SIDE WAYS AND GET THEM UNDERNEATH AND LIFT THEM TUM AND LOAD THEM THAT WAY.

>> IT'S ALL DONE FROM THIS?

>> YES.

REMOTE CONTROL.

>> THESE THINGS AREN'T LIFE?

>> NO THESE ARE INERT, FULL OF CONCRETE.

>> OKAY.

>> DID THAT SCARE YOU.

>> WELL I WAS JUST WONDERING.

SO, WHAT DO YOU HAVE THEM HERE FOR?

JUST FOR PEOPLE LIKE US THAT ASK QUESTIONS?

>> NO WE WILL LOAD THESE NEXT WEEK.

>> YOU LOAD CONCRETE ORDINANCE?

>> WE DROP THESE OFF THE PLANE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WORKS.

WE DROP SEVERAL AMMUNITIONS THAT MAKE SURE THEY WORK.

>> JUST DUMMIES?

>> WE DROP LIVE ALSO TO MAKE SURE THEY WORK TOO.

>> IT'S OKAY FOR ME TO GO OVER HERE NOW AND -- >> YOU CAN HIT ALL YOU WANT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING.

>> BOY I'M FEELING SECURE ON THE OUTSIDE BUT INSIDE I'M DYING RIGHT NOW.

>> THOSE WON'T DO ANYTHING.

I WOULDN'T LET YOU HIT A LIVE ONE.

>> WELL, THIS HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A LOT OF FUN FOR US.

WE FINALLY GOT TO SEE ONE OF THESE THINGS.

I HAVE GOT TO TELL YOU FROM THE REACTION OF THE CROWD AT THE ROSE PARADE AND THE ENTRANCE LEVEL THAT WE ALL HAVE IN THIS PLANE, I THINK THE AIRFORCE SHOULD OF I THINK THE PLANE SHOULD BE MORE VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.

IT REALLY IS AN EXCITING AIRCRAFT TO SEE.

>> I THINK THE AIRFORCE HAS BEEN AS VISIBLE WITH THE AIRCRAFT AS NEEDED.

SOMETIMES WHEN IT TAKES LONGER TO SEE SOMETHING YOU APPRECIATE IT MORE.

>> BOY, ARE YOU GOING TO RUN FOR OFFICE WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE AIRFORCE.

YOU DID THAT VERY WELL?

>> NO, NO.

IT'S ALL IN A DAYS WORK.

WE ARE HAPPY YOU WERE ABLE TO COME.

WE WERE PROUD OF OUR AIRCRAFT AND WHAT NORTHROP HAS DONE AND THE B2 TEAM.

YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER SOMETHING THE UNITED STATES WAS FIRST IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY AND THIS IS THE TESTAMENT IT'S STILL FIRST IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU OUT HERE AND IT'S A MRAUS YOU'RE TO FLY THIS AIRPLANE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR COMING.

YOU CAN COME BACK.

(STAR WARS THEME) VISITING WITH HUELL HOWSER IS MADE POSSIBLY FROM A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE RALPH