B-2 Pilots Reveal Secrets to Surviving 48 Hours in the Sky

Soaring Secrets: Inside a Record-Breaking 44-Hour B-2 Bomber Flight

Imagine spending nearly two days straight inside a cockpit, thousands of feet above the Earth, entrusted with a multi-billion dollar stealth bomber and a critical mission. That's the reality for the elite pilots of the US Air Force's B-2 Spirit, the iconic stealth bomber.

Recently, the Pentagon reportedly executed "Operation Midnight Hammer", a **37-hour** bombing run to alleged Iranian nuclear sites, showcasing the incredible endurance and capabilities of both the aircraft and its crew. While details remain classified, this mission is said to be one of the longest B-2 flights in recent decades. But it doesn't beat the record.

The record for the longest B-2 bomber flight belongs to retired Air Force pilots Melvin Deaile and Brian "Jethro" Neal. In October 2001, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, they undertook a grueling **44-hour** mission, delivering a powerful response to Afghanistan. What was it like to be at the controls for such an extended period? They've shared some fascinating insights.

A Mission Born from Tragedy

On September 11, 2001, Neal and Deaile were engaged in a routine nuclear capabilities training exercise when the world changed. Amidst the chaos and confusion, it became clear that America was under attack. Their unit quickly began formulating mission options for the Bush administration, eager to respond decisively.

Within days, Neal and Deaile found themselves preparing for a mission unlike any they had previously experienced. Taking off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, home to all B-2s, they headed west towards Afghanistan, embarking on what would become a record-breaking flight.

Life Aboard the Stealth Bomber: Naps and "Go Pills"

The B-2 wasn't exactly designed for comfort during long hauls. As Neal recounts, the airmen thoughtfully provided a cot just long enough for a quick rest in the back of the bomber:

"When the ladder comes up and you enter the cockpit, there is a flat spot on the floor that is about a little over 6 feet long," Neal said of the sleeping area. "And so I think over the two days that I was in that little space, I spent about five hours in that cot total."

Considering the mission's duration, five hours of sleep is a very little amount. To combat fatigue, pilots often receive stimulants, known as "go pills," from flight surgeons. While Deaile opted to use the stimulant, Neal declined.

"You're young, and you're doing something that you're trained to do, and there's a bit of excitement and a lot of adrenaline," Neal remembered. The position of the sun also was working against them. "You don't feel like sleeping when the sun's staring you in the eyes," Neal said.

The Art of Aerial Refueling

A critical aspect of these long-endurance flights is aerial refueling. It’s a complex and demanding maneuver, requiring precision and coordination between the bomber and tanker crews.

"You're at the gas station going hundreds of miles an hour," Neal said, describing navigating the refueling as a tense workout, especially since the B-2's design generates lift that oddly pushes the tanker away during refueling.

• Tanker crews must be specifically certified to refuel the B-2, accounting for its unique characteristics.
• The process can take around 30 minutes each time and is mentally exhausting for both sets of pilots.
• Even minor scratches to the B-2's surface during refueling can compromise its stealth capabilities.

Deaile and Neal endured **seven** refuelings during their 44-hour mission, taking on an estimated **750,000 pounds** of fuel!

An Unexpected Detour and a Fishing Rod

After successfully deploying their initial payload, Neal and Deaile received an unexpected order: return to Afghanistan and deploy their remaining four bombs. This required even more fuel and a bit of luck, as they had to wait for a B-2-certified tanker crew to become available.

Following the completion of their mission, the pilots headed to Diego Garcia, a small air base in the Indian Ocean. Knowing their destination, Neal packed an unusual item for a bomber pilot: a fishing rod!

Impressions of a Veteran

Reflecting on the recent alleged Iran mission, Deaile expressed admiration for the Air Force's maintenance and management of the B-2 fleet. With fewer than two dozen aircraft, deploying a significant portion of the fleet for days without any reported breakdowns is a testament to the dedication and skill of the support personnel.

"The Air Force put up a third of its bomber fleet in one night to do this mission with precision," Deaile said. "That's incredible."

The stories of B-2 pilots like Deaile and Neal offer a rare glimpse into the demanding world of long-endurance bombing missions. Their dedication, skill, and resilience are a testament to the unwavering commitment of the men and women who serve in the US Air Force, safeguarding our nation's security.

The combination of advanced technology, rigorous training, and human endurance makes the B-2 Spirit a powerful symbol of American air power.

Tags: B-2 bomber, stealth bomber, US Air Force, bombing mission, long flight, Operation Midnight Hammer, aerial refueling, Melvin Deaile, Brian Neal, Afghanistan, stealth technology, military aviation, aerial combat, US military, air power

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-flying-a-b-2-bomber-for-days-2025-6