The world's only two true stealth aircraft will be flying in the same aerial display at next month's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 17 and 18.

The two awesome aircraft have rarely been seen together outside the United States.

Tattoo organisers have received confirmation that the USAF will be sending their futuristic B-2A "Spirit" bomber on a 10,000 mile round trip from Whiteman Air Force base in Missouri.

Such is the secrecy surrounding the B-2A that it is always accompanied on its flypasts by two USAF F-15C fighters.

The participation of the B-2A "Spirit" ensures that visitors to RIAT will be able to experience aerial displays by the USAF's bomber force of the past 50 years - the B-52 "Stratofortress", the B-1B "Lancer", the F-117A "Nighthawk" and the B-2A.

Director of the Royal International Air Tattoo, Tim Prince, said that in the current international climate, he was particularly grateful that the Americans felt able to send such a wide range of military aircraft.

"This formidable show of support is clearly a reflection of the strong relationship they have with the United Kingdom, the RAF and the RAF Benevolent Fund," he said.