A top-secret B-2 Stealth bomber has been seen close-up for the first time by thousands of plane fanatics at RAF Fairford's Royal International Air Tattoo.

The jet-black �800m Stealth has so far proved to be the main attraction at the weekend of air displays in Gloucestershire, which is expected to draw up to 200,000 people.

They got within just 15m of the US bomber, which is part of a collection of planes which flew missions during the Balkans conflict.

A spokesman at the airbase - home of B-52 bombers during the Balkans conflict - said: "We have an extremely close relationship with American colleagues and we were absolutely delighted by their decision to allow our visitors to get such a good look at this wonderful aircraft".

'I got lucky'

B-2 bombers flew from Missouri in the US to mount attacks on Serbian military targets during the 80-day Balkans war.

B-2 captain "Smoker" - his real name is secret - told the BBC his missions from the Whiteman air force base to the Balkans and back, lasted 30 hours.

He said: "Its a very simple plane to fly. The computers and technology are designed so that we do not have to work too hard."

Virtually undetectable

However, he admitted that the most expensive plane in the world was "a very special piece of equipment."

He said: "I can't be more pleased to be one of the people to be able to be selected to fly the aircraft. I got lucky."

The V-shaped Stealth is equipped with the latest technology, and is coated with special materials which make it virtually undetectable to radar.

It flew in from Whiteman on Friday to take part in Saturday's flight with the RAF Red Arrows to help mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Nato.

A crew also put the plane through its paces by performing a single flypast.

One showgoer told the BBC: "I'm not sure which Stephen Spielberg film it's out of, but this plane is quite incredible."

Money raised at the tattoo will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund.