B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber
FF Sport Scale model disguised as a sophisticated bomber
Ken Johnson first saw the full-scale B-2 Spirit fly at the Northrop Grumman factory in Palmdale, California. Impressed, he decided to build an electric FF Sport Scale model of this unique aircraft.
He used a Squadron/Signal booklet about the B-2 for reference. By enlarging a copy of the three-view, he drew plans over it for the 42‑inch wingspan model he envisioned. Although the full‑scale airplane does not have vertical fins or dihedral, Ken felt they were necessary on the model to make it airworthy.
The B‑2 was constructed from plywood and balsa. The wing was first completed from the top, then lifted and turned upside down to build the bottom part. The model’s CG (center of gravity) had to be placed exactly as shown on the plan; clay could be added to achieve a clean, flat glide and a gentle right turn before flying.
The model was covered entirely with black Japanese tissue. Ken used a water bottle to lightly water‑shrink it, then coated it with half‑thinned nitrate dope. White trim lines were added using a gel Excel pen.
The electric motor, battery pack, and switch came from a Hobbico RTF Spitfire kit that Ken had on hand. The battery and switch were mounted with sheet balsa in the fuselage and braced to the top parts. The back of the motor was 5 3/4 inches from the front of the batteries.
Ken’s target weight for the model was 95 grams. He noted that if the airplane was heavy, another battery cell could be added to achieve more power. He finished the model with a launch‑loop handle made from a large paper clip and cemented to the top inside of the balsa sheet on the bottom of the fuselage area.
Plan and ordering information:
- The B‑2 Spirit Stealth Bomber was one of three construction articles featured in the March 2004 issue of Model Aviation (MA).
- AMA Plans Service listing: 954.
- One‑sheet plan price: $9 plus shipping and handling.
- See page 163 of the magazine or visit www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for ordering information.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
