--- title: "B-2 Stealth Bomber Flanked By F-15s Stuns At The Royal International Air Tattoo" description: "Nothing says American airpower like Eagles and a Spirit." date: "2017-07-16" modified: "2017-07-16" authors: - name: "Tyler Rogoway" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway" url: "https://www.twz.com/12521/b-2-stealth-bomber-flanked-by-f-15s-stuns-at-the-royal-international-air-tattoo" categories: - "Air" - "Air Forces" - "Around The Globe" - "B-2" - "Bombers" - "Europe" - "F-15" - "Fighters" - "News & Features" - "Stealth" - "U.S. Air Force" - "United Kingdom" tags: - "Airshows" - "B-2" - "Bombers" - "Eagle" - "F-15" - "F-15C" - "flyby" - "RIAT" - "Royal International Air Tattoo" - "Spirit" --- # B-2 Stealth Bomber Flanked By F-15s Stuns At The Royal International Air Tattoo ![]() *www.twz.com* The F-35 made worldwide headlines last year by making [its first appearance]() at the UK's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), but this year US airpower was showcased in a different but still very impressive manner. Air show goers at RAF Fairford got a special surprise Sunday in the form of America's most prized aerial weapon system—the [B-2A Spirit stealth bomber](). The B-2A executed a special set of flybys flanked by a pair of USAF F-15C Eagles. The F-15Cs are based at RAF Lakenheath. Even in videos that are emerging on the net, seeing the two iconic combat jet types flying together is a downright impressive display of America's aerial prowess. Being there to see it in person must have been quite special. https://youtube.com/embed/r5udONJvFTU https://youtube.com/embed/ADXas7PjFJE As for those who will decry the massive cost of flying a B-2 from Whiteman, Missouri to the UK just for a couple of air show flybys, forget about it. This is a [global power]() training mission with one main difference—countless people got to appreciate it—including America's enemies. All the same components go into this operation as any other global power mission, including extensive planning, hitting a precise time over target, working with other USAF aircraft and air traffic controllers, tanking and so on. Not just that, but [RAF Fairford is one]() of only two forward operating bases for the B-2 community, so B-2 crews need to get familiarized with flying to and from it. Beyond the B-2's powerful flyover, the USAF had an especially large presence at this year's RIAT, with the F-22, CV-22, and the USAF Thunderbirds performing. A parade of local USAFE air power was also featured which included F-15C/Es, F-16Cs, a KC-135 and a C-130. https://youtube.com/embed/szVfSGMD5Kw https://youtube.com/embed/IHf9ccLpfnM https://youtube.com/embed/e1M54HIYeyM https://youtube.com/embed/yrDnXEKlSY4 Outside of the USAF displays and the usual UK aerial flare, which included the world famous Red Arrows and the Typhoon demo, probably the most anticipated flying performances were Ukraine's Su-27 solo display and France's outstanding "Ramex Delta" twin Mirage 2000 routine. https://youtube.com/embed/mfAyO1rPtrM https://youtube.com/embed/X7IxQ7UGVy0 *Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com* ## Author Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site *Foxtrot Alpha* before developing *TWZ*, which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day. ### Author social links [Twitter]()