B-2 Bombers to Begin $2B upgrade at Whiteman

A Whiteman Air Force Base official says B-2 stealth bombers soon will be undergoing the biggest and most complex update in the plane's history.

The Kansas City Star reports the Pentagon is moving forward with a 10-year, $2 billion effort to modernize the defensive capabilities of the fleet, which is kept at the central Missouri base.

Planned improvements include replacing analog equipment with digital, upgrading antennas and enhancing communications systems and pilot displays.

Keeping the nation's 20 B-2s in top shape is a priority at Whiteman, since the bat-winged bombers are expected to be in use until 2058.

Col. Rob Spalding says some improvements already have been made by technicians at the base to keep the planes current with changing technologies.