The B-2 bomber, based on Hal Markarian’s sketches

Hal Markarian is an American aircraft designer of Armenian origin, known for the initial designs of the Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. He made the first sketches of the aircraft in June 1979, and one of the most powerful bombers in the world was created on their basis.

The aircraft is designed to penetrate dense air defences and deliver conventional or nuclear weapons. It is covered with radar-absorbing materials and built on the “flying wing” design. Between 1979 and 1989, 23 billion US dollars were spent on its development. It was first shown to the public on 22 November 1988 in California, at the US Air Force plant where it was assembled.

In the photograph the aircraft stands in front of a hangar, with many bombs and other munitions laid out in rows before it.