5 most powerful stealth weapons of all time of America

Below are the top 5 US weapons systems rated as 'most powerful of all time' as voted by National Interest magazine.

Table of Contents

• 1. SR-71 Blackbird
• 2. F-117 Nighthawk
• 3. B-2 Spirit
• 4. F-22 Raptor
• 5. Ohio-class nuclear submarine

1. SR-71 Blackbird

The SR-71 is the fastest aircraft in the world with a maximum speed of Mach 3.2. In addition, the SR-71 also has 4 impressive stealth features including:

• The aircraft's surface can prevent enemy radar waves from being reflected back to the receiver.
• The wings, tail and fuselage were made of composite materials along with radar-absorbent titanium.
• The aircraft engine is neatly placed close to the fuselage, reducing the chance of being detected by radar.
• The aircraft is painted black with tiny ferrite particles that help reduce the radar cross section—the area at which a radar can detect an object. The F-15 Eagle has a cross section of 100 square meters, while the SR-71 has a cross section of less than 10 square meters.

2. F-117 Nighthawk

The F-117 has impressive stealth capabilities thanks to its very special aerodynamic design with cross-sections that allow it to scatter radar waves. The F-117 operates effectively in missions against command posts, communication centers, defense systems, and weapons depots.

The F-117 first saw combat action in 1989, and participated in the US-led Operation Desert Storm invasion of Iraq in the 1990s, carrying out missions in Kosovo in 1999 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

The F-117 was “retired” in 2008.

3. B-2 Spirit

The B-2 Spirit, introduced in 1988, is considered America's first official stealth strategic bomber.

In addition to its stealth capabilities, the B-2 Spirit can also carry all types of weapons from B61 gravity atomic bombs, JDAM bombs to GBU-57A/B heavy bombs (more than 13 tons).

The B-2 Spirit has operated in Kosovo in 1999, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2021.

4. F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor is designed as a fighter equipped with stealth capabilities to gain a decisive advantage in air combat.

The F-22 is considered by the National Interest to be one of the best fighter jets in the world, far surpassing current fighter jets.

5. Ohio-class nuclear submarine

The US Ohio-class nuclear submarine is highly regarded by the National Interest for its powerful combination of stealth and lethality.

The Ohio is the largest submarine ever built by the US, with a hull shaped like a fish to help the ship move quickly. The ship is designed to minimize noise as the nuclear missile launch tubes are placed along the hull, equipped with two steam turbines, one of which helps the ship operate silently.