STATE : Stealth Bomber Moves Under Its Own Power for the First Time
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PALMDALE — The B-2 stealth bomber moved under its own power for the first time today, emerging from its super-secret research hangar and rolling out onto a desert runway.
The sleek, bat-like bomber, the most advanced in the Pentagon’s arsenal and capable of penetrating enemy radar defenses without being detected, taxied onto the runway shortly after sunrise and began a series of engine tests at various power settings. As the tests began, the engines changed in pitch from an eerie whistle to a low roar. The aircraft then moved from a station near its secure hangar at about 10 m.p.h. for about two miles down the runway at Air Force Plant 42.
For about two hours the sinister-looking bomber was put through its engine tests, then moved to the far end of the runway adjacent to Sierra Highway, where it was visible to passing traffic.
After the low-speed taxi tests, the plane will make high-speed taxi tests and then make its maiden flight sometime within the next two weeks.
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