Cleanliness is next to "stealthiness" Published Sept. 1, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The B-2 Spirit is the world's most technologically advanced bomber, and its low-observable, or "stealth," capabilities allow B-2 pilots to complete their missions undetected, while penetrating enemy targets and threatening highly valued resources. Several factors contribute to the to the B-2's "stealthiness." Though many are classified, the low-observable abilities of the B-2 can be attributed to reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures, special coatings, aircraft and component design, and even cleanliness. "Any foreign material on a B-2, such as dust, dirt or bird droppings, can compromise the B-2's LO signature," said. Master Sgt. BillyJack Roberts, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flightline production expeditor. "Without the LO capability, it's just another aircraft." Airmen from the Air National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing work hand-in-hand with Airmen from the 509th Bomb Wing as part of the military's Total Force Integration to ensure the B-2 is in prime condition. According to technical orders, B-2s are required to be washed once every 30 to 120 days, depending on location. A B-2 wash can take up to 24 hours, depending on how dirty the aircraft is. "It's important for these guys to know what areas get dirty," Sergeant Roberts said. "As these Airmen progress in ranks, they learn to appreciate the jobs they are doing. It's also part of an initiation process." The lowest ranking Airmen are pulled to the wash rack to clean aircraft so they learn the importance of the B-2's cleanliness and learn to respect the aircraft that they one day may become the dedicated crew chief on. "Washing a B-2 "is not too difficult, "said Airman 1st Class Adam Reading, 131st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "It's kind of like washing a car, only bigger. "You learn how to wash a jet, and realize that you are helping the jet fly," continued Airman Reading. "Without it being clean, the B-2 cannot perform to its maximum potential." Aircraft washes also deter possible corrosion, which can breakdown parts and affect LO capabilities. For example, salt from winter roads can cause corrosion on a vehicle, Sergeant Roberts explained. When the B-2 forward deploys overseas, salt form the ocean can cause corrosion on the aircraft. "At forward operating locations (such as Anderson Air Force Base, Guam), B-2s are washed every 30 days to get all the salt and other foreign materials off of them," Sergeant Roberts said. "These Airmen put 100 percent into everything that they do," said Sergeant Roberts. "Washing the B-2 is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it."