The B-2 prototype shows off its distinctive planform during its maiden flight. The 170ft-span wing's serrated trailing edge scatters radar signals, helping to mask the aircraft’s presence - the notched leading and trailing edges of the engine nacelles have the same function. Control surfaces consist of flaps inboard, an articulated "beaver tail" on the centreline which moves in pitch and possibly in roll, and split ailerons outboard.

Taking off on its first flight after a ground roll of 4,500 - 5,000ft, the B-2 has small doors open atop its nacelles, presumably to feed extra air to its four 19,000lb-thrust General Electric F118 unreheated turbofan engines.

Control surfaces consist of flaps inboard, an articulated "beaver tail" on the centreline which moves in pitch and possibly in roll, and split ailerons outboard. The latter, clearly seen here, appear to operate as flaps, ailerons, airbrakes and drag rudders.

This view of the B-2’s brooding frontal aspect shows the prototype’s USAF serial, 82-1066, its smooth surface contours and more of the serrations which characterise the aircraft’s edges, including those of the undercarriage and bomb bay doors.