The mission led by American B-2 bombers lasted almost 37 hours, an endurance effort for the crews.
Seven heavy bombers B-2, 14 GBU-57 bombs, supply planes, lures, more than 125 planes in total for 37 hours of mission … The “Midnight Hammer” operation carried out by the United States to bomb three Iranian strategic sites pushed the boundaries of B-2 pilots engaged in strikes.
Questioned by CNN, an ex-b-2 praises the human feat of the pilots engaged in the air raid, one of the longest in the history of modern aviation. “An incredible feat”, according to Melvin G. Deaile, who was himself in control of a long-term mission in 2001, 44 hours in total, to hit targets in Afghanistan.
He returned for CNN to the conditions under which his mission took place 24 years ago, specifying that they have probably changed since, as is the procedures and the means available.
The former pilot says that the crews selected for this type of missions were identified in advance, but that they were only warned with little notice. Its mission, which should not last 44 hours initially, was extended due to a given order to make a second bombs.
Cher, rudimentary comfort
To prepare as best as possible for the endurance necessary for this type of mission, the retiree of the US Air Force had trained on a long -term simulator, in order to plan the waking and sleep cycles.
He explains that during the mission, the two members of the crew must be at their post during the critical phases-takeoff, supplies in flight, bombardment, landing-but that in the intervals, they can rest in a small bed-bed behind the seats. The former pilot indicates that these intermittent naps could last “three or four hours”.
Depending on the mission, it could be more or less easy to fall asleep, especially when the trajectory of the plane follows that of the sun, which disturbs the circadian rhythm and modifies the perception of drowsiness. “But we end up falling asleep, because the body needs it,” admits Melvin G. Deaile.
On the other hand, to remain completely alert and awake when the mission required it, the former pilot reveals having used amphetamines, whose use was authorized by the US Air Force health service, specifying that his experience does not necessarily reflect that of the crews that stole last weekend.
Another physical constraint: urination. The altitude of plane and the pressurization of cockpit tend to dehydrate, which is why water consumption and raised – and therefore naturally caused the need to urinate. For this, two solutions were offered to them: chemical toilets on the back, but also pockets to be urinated containing cat litter.
The B-2, a legendary plane
Northrop Grumman’s heavy multi-high bombardier was unveiled for the first time in 1988, six months before his inaugural flight in the summer of 1989. The Whiteman base in Missouri is the only operational basis of the American B-2.
Its flying wing shape makes it a stealth aircraft and its hold allows you to take both conventional and nuclear weapons. It is the only one capable of carrying the GBU-57 “MOP” (Massive Ordance Penetrator), whose performance makes it possible to penetrate the basement several tens of meters.
B-2’s current fleet would be made up of 18 aircraft, according to data from Flightglobal. He was deployed for the first time in operation during the Kosovo War in 1999, then in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.
