https://simpleflying.com/usaf-b-2-spirit-bombers-beds/ Simple Flying Menu Simple Flying logo Sign in now [ ] Close * + [ ] Features Submenu o Analysis o History o Exclusives + [ ] By Region Submenu o North America o Europe o Asia o Africa o Oceania o South America * + Videos + Threads + [ ] More Submenu o Podcast * Sign in * Newsletter [ ] * * * * * * * * * * Menu Simple Flying logo Follow Followed Like Threads 9 More Action Sign in now [ ] News Reviews Airlines Aircraft Threads [ ] Close [ ] Do USAF B-2 Spirit Bombers Have Beds? 4 By Luke Diaz Published May 4, 2025 Follow Followed Like Thread 9 Link copied to clipboard Related 3_2 Air Force B-52H Stratofortress flies a show of presence mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 20, 2025 How US Air Force Global Strike Command Gets Aircrew Fit To Fly B-52s For 33 Hours usaf Artboard 2 3_2 In Pictures: A Look Back At The Historic 1st B-21 Raider Test Flight At Edwards Air Force Base shutterstock_2475303101 Why The B-2 Spirit Can't Handle The Rain Sign in to your Simple Flying account Main Image (16_9)-113 Photo: US Air Force | Wikimedia Commons, Simple Flying Sprawled on a canvas bunk less than an arm's length from a weapons-release switch, the pilots of the B-2 Spirit do their best to get shut eye in the confines of their billion-dollar stealth bomber's bunk. The mighty Northrop Grumman flying wing is among the smaller bombers of the US Air Force's Global Strike Command, but conducts extremely prolonged mission sorties. Naturally, if you have aircrew onboard for more than 24 hours, it makes sense that you want them to rest along the way. Captain Chris "Thunder" Beck, a B-2, and former B-52, pilot told Defense News: "After you do a few long-duration flights, anything under twenty hours doesn't seem like a big deal." Every USAF B-2A carries a fold-down cot, a microwave around the size of a shoebox, and a small chemical toilet. That pocket-sized studio wrapped in radar-absorbent material (RAM) and sitting on top of bombs and jet engines is how two pilots keep the B-2 aloft longer than any other crewed combat aircraft in service. Without the basic amenities of life, the Spirit's 6,000 NM unrefuelled range would be academic, as would the 40-hour loops from Missouri to Libya and back that they fly. Flying Forty-Hour Missions US Air Force (USAF) B-2 Spirit bomber, The Spirit of Ohio, sits on the ramp at Nellis Air Force Base-1 Photo: US Air Force, US National Archives Former B-2 pilot, Mel Deaile's mission after the event of September 11, 2001 (as he recounted to the USO) began with a four-hour flight from Whiteman AFB to the California coast for air refueling in the "Spirit of America." The bomber tanked at least three times en route, including over Guam, through the Straits of Malacca, and in the Indian Ocean near Diego Garcia. Between refuelings, the pilots take turns trying to get a few hours of rest in the modified "cot" behind the two ejection seats. Their journey took over 24 hours, in daylight, until they reached the coast of Pakistan. The mission was bombing runs on multiple targets throughout Afghanistan, and with the extended timeline of their flight profile, 70% of their targets had been changed by the time they arrived in theater. Close After spending about 25 hours en route, the strike window was only two hours over enemy territory. The bomber exited the country and headed for the tanker with four smart bombs still onboard. As gas was running low, they orbited in the Arabian Sea waiting for a tanker when they were pinged for and accepted a new target. After another 90 minutes of strike runs, they exited Afghanistan a second time to find a waiting tanker to reach Diego Garcia, the final destination. Four hours later, the team approached the tiny, remote island, ready to touch land for the first time in 44 hours. The B-52 that landed immediately before us had an emergency upon landing, forcing us to "go around," granting the crew a 15-minute aerial tour of the island. After touching down, a fresh crew of two B-2 pilots climbed onboard, and within 45 minutes, the stealth bomber was airborne for its 30-hour journey back to Missouri. The Spirit of America and five other B-2s operated for more than 70 hours nonstop during the American retaliatory attacks against terrorists. In a testament to the incredible engineering and design of the aircraft, no aircraft encountered any issues or engine trouble during the first three days. Mel Deaile later retired as a colonel, and his copilot went on to be an F-22 Raptor pilot in the reserves. Artboard 2 3_2 (3)-18 Related A Closer Look: The USAF F-117 Nighthawk's Impact During The Persian Gulf War The aircraft played a key role in the conflict. Posts Bed Or No Bed Air to air view of a Northrop-built B-2 Spirit bomber flying a sunset training sortie near the base. The B-2 is assigned to Air Combat Command, 8th Air Force's 509th Bomb Wing Photo: US Air Force, US National Archives The B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Stratofortress are the strategic heavy bombers of the USAF today. They each fill a unique niche and, as a result, each has a slightly different mission profile and, therefore, a different approach to crew rest. The B-1 usually flies faster strike missions with shorter timelines, which means it is the only one with no permanent bedding installed. Each plane does have a galley. However, the B-2 seems to be the only one with a microwave aboard. The B-52 has a single bunk for crew rest, which the five-strong aircrew take turns using while aloft. The pilots rotate stations to maintain alertness to the highest degree possible while on extended flights. The B-2 is the only one that a person six feet tall (1.8 m) can stand in, which is appreciated by the aircrew as they fly the longest mission times with the smallest crews. Close +--------------------------------------------+ |Bomber|Permanent Bed|Galley |Toilet |Crew| |------+-------------+---------+--------+----| |B-2A |Yes |Microwave|Chemical|Two | |------+-------------+---------+--------+----| |B-1B |No |Yes |Chemical|Four| |------+-------------+---------+--------+----| |B-52H |Yes |Oven |Chemical|Five| +--------------------------------------------+ Each of these powerful warbirds fulfills a different need for a strategic strike that the US Air Force delivers in order to support the armed forces of America and its allies. They may differ in many ways, and the approach to mission execution is dramatically different between each platform, but the ultimate goal is the same, and the joint qualities of this incredible trio make the US Air Force the most powerful strategic air power in the world to date. 3_2 Air Force B-52H Stratofortress flies a show of presence mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 20, 2025 Related How US Air Force Global Strike Command Gets Aircrew Fit To Fly B-52s For 33 Hours New methods keep B-52 flight crews alert during 30+ hour missions, merging physical stamina with mental strength for global readiness. Posts 3 Making The Cut Air Force personnel, pose in front of a B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mi., during a static display, June 28, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss Photo: US Air Force In 2020, the 500th pilot graduated from the Initial Qualification Training program at Whiteman Air Force Base to fly the B-2. The stealth bomber is one of the few platforms that requires a performance package from pilots to submit with their flying and personnel records. The program demands 266 hours of academics, 30 exams, 46 simulator missions, and 10 flights in the aircraft. The small cadre of pilots to qualify to fly this unique aircraft carries on a prestigious legacy of exceptionally skilled pilots. Captain Clayton Smith, the 500th IQT graduate, said: "It's a dream come true and an honor to graduate and be a part of such an elite community of pilots. It is a true testament to the hard work of every member who has ever had any part in the B-2 program that has produced so many outstanding pilots." The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is a crucial part of the US Air Force, requiring aviators with high skill levels and long-term experience in stick-and-rudder operations. As the USAF faces a pilot shortage, the competition for skilled aviators is growing. The old method of cherry-picking the best from every community for the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base is becoming increasingly less common. Air Force Global Strike Command still finds new B-2 pilots by cross-training them from other communities, but B-2 wings are increasingly bringing on pilots directly from Air Education and Training Command. These wings have to keep training and developing their skills. In 2019, Brandon Cameron, a 1st Lieutenant, was preparing to be a B-2 pilot after his first assignment from finishing training as a T-38 instructor pilot at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. He found out that he could go straight to a B-2 squadron and told Defense News that it sounded like "one of the best gigs in the Air Force." usaf Artboard 2 3_2 Related In Pictures: A Look Back At The Historic 1st B-21 Raider Test Flight At Edwards Air Force Base In 2024, the B-21 Raider soared over Edwards AFB in a historic achievement to unconventional aircraft designs and stealth technology. Posts By The Numbers A B-2 Spirit assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing takes off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 19, 2023, as part of a bomber Agile Combat Employment exercise. Photo: US Air Force It's no secret that the B-2 Spirit was an incredibly expensive undertaking. In fact, you could even say it is infamous for the cost overruns and final pricetag that came with each plane. The result, however, was a true breakthrough in the world of not only military technology but aviation in general. The B-2 Spirit is an equal marvel of technology for its radar-defeating qualities as it is for being the first jet-powered, flying-wing to be adopted into full, active service. The B-2 Spirit has been controversial since before it was even seen, with President Jimmy Carter's announcement of its development in 1980, just before Ronald Reagan would be elected as the next US President. The mighty warbird never realized the full production goals of the USAF and Northrop Grumman, with only 20 out of a planned 200 being built. The staggering cost of around $2 billion per airplane left a sticker-shock scar that has haunted the program forever, but in the end, the plane itself is truly unequaled by anything on earth. +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ |Specification |Imperial |Metric (in | | | |parentheses) | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Wingspan |172 ft |52.4 m | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Length |69 ft |21.0 m | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Height |17 ft |5.18 m | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Max takeoff |336 500 lb |152 635 kg | |weight | | | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Engines |4 x GE F118-GE-100 @ 17 300|76.9 kN each | | |lb | | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Unrefuelled range|6 000 NM |11 000 km | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Service ceiling |50 000 ft |15 240 m | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Payload |40 000 lb |18 144 kg | |-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------| |Crew |Two (with bunk and galley) |-- | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ No B-2 has ever been lost to enemy action. One did crash due to a technical malfunction after severe rainstorms in Guam inundated the fine electrical parts of one sensor, but the crew survived, and no other mishap has ever resulted in another loss or significant damage. The B-2 is the most prized weapons system in the US military arsenal, not only for the cost of its procurement but because it can single-handedly deliver the same firepower as entire air forces from other nations. Bottom Line 509th Bomb Wing Crew chief, assigned to the 509th Maintenance Squadron, marshals in Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Eighth Air Force commander, to disembark a B-2 Spirit at Whiteman Air Force Base Photo: US Air Force The long-duration missions flown by the B-2 Spirit bomber rely on more than stealthtechnologies or advanced materials. At the core, they depend on human endurance. While radar evasion and aerodynamic efficiency are the spotlight qualities, the basic amenities carried inside ensure that two-person crews can remain alert and operational throughout missions that routinely exceed forty hours. This capability transforms cockpit design from merely functional into habitable, allowing pilots to alternate rest periods and maintain combat readiness while soaring across time zones. In the broader context of military aviation, crew fatigue management will become increasingly vital as future missions stretch further in distance and duration. Lessons learned from the B-2's compact rest area are shaping the design of next-generation bombers, like the B-21 Raider. These considerations will ensure future stealth platforms not only meet strategic and technological objectives but also keep the human in the loop to preserve the operational capability of Global Strike Command. The human component of strategic bomber missions will continue to be important as aircraft roles change and unmanned systems become more prevalent. In order to keep pilots operating at their best cognitively across worldwide deployments, future bomber designs are probably going to include improved crew comfort and cutting-edge fatigue management devices right into their original plans. In the end, maintaining strategic airpower over the ensuing decades will depend on including the best designs for aircrew from the beginning. shutterstock_2475303101 Related Why The B-2 Spirit Can't Handle The Rain Monsoon season takes out the world's most expensive piece of military hardware: how Mother Nature struck down the cutting-edge flying wing. Posts 7 * Aircraft * Military Aviation * B-2 Spirit Bomber Follow Followed Like Share Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Copy link Email Close Thread 9 Sign in to your Simple Flying account We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful. Reply / Post Images Attachment(s) [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam. Your comment has not been saved Send confirmation email Sort by: [Popular] * Leroy User Display Picture Leroy User Display Picture Leroy #MM281102 Member since 2025-05-05 0 Threads 1 Posts Following 0 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View It never mentioned the amphetamine pills they take to stay alert. 2025-05-05 06:56:03 Upvote 4 Downvote Reply 2 Copy * Wayne User Display Picture Wayne User Display Picture Wayne #LO663463 Member since 2023-10-02 0 Threads 56 Posts Following 1 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 1 Follower View they are equipped (probably) with what we used to call "Go" or "No Go" pills for the obvious reasons. 2025-05-05 15:07:56 Upvote 1 Downvote Copy * K User Display Picture K User Display Picture K #CS598457 Member since 2025-03-08 0 Threads 2 Posts Following 0 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View It works. So does nicotine. I recall a HOF baseball player saying that nicotine is absolutely a performance enhancing substance. If it keeps them awake and alive. 2025-05-10 00:51:45 Upvote Downvote Copy * Thatoneplanedude User Display Picture Thatoneplanedude User Display Picture Thatoneplanedude #NC568980 Member since 2024-02-10 27 Threads 308 Posts Following 1 Stories 5 Topics 0 Authors 3 Users Follow Followed 3 Followers View Yea, they also got microwaves too 2025-05-04 11:59:26 Upvote 2 Downvote Reply 1 Copy * BB User Display Picture BB User Display Picture BB #AT399975 Member since 2023-11-09 0 Threads 100 Posts Following 2 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View Microwaves are easy, just redirect energy from the EW system. 2025-05-04 21:32:13 Upvote 3 Downvote Copy * Jim User Display Picture Jim User Display Picture Jim #WQ611531 Member since 2024-08-28 0 Threads 12 Posts Following 0 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View I wonder how the B-21 Raider compares... 2025-05-04 14:33:39 Upvote 1 Downvote Reply Copy * Bill User Display Picture Bill User Display Picture Bill #GG766294 Member since 2025-05-04 0 Threads 1 Posts Following 0 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View They don't take ampthetamines. It's a drug called Modafinil. It helps staying alert without the crash that amphetamines have when they wear off. 2025-05-05 22:38:16 Upvote Downvote Reply Copy * john User Display Picture john User Display Picture john #WJ004179 Member since 2024-07-10 0 Threads 32 Posts Following 0 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View If I remember correctly the B-2 wasn't originally fitted with a bunk so crews improvised by buying something like sun loungers and putting them in the space behind ejection seats. 2025-05-05 13:26:21 Upvote Downvote Reply Copy * J.J. LASNE User Display Picture J.J. LASNE User Display Picture J.J. LASNE #EA890964 Member since 2023-10-02 0 Threads 90 Posts Following 0 Stories 0 Topics 0 Authors 0 Users Follow Followed 0 Followers View There is a US base near the strait of Malacca? Or did the tanker fly all the way from Australia? 2025-05-05 22:32:12 Upvote Downvote Reply Copy * Terms * Privacy * Feedback Recommended Why The Boeing 737 MAX 9 Has Such A Long Takeoff Roll Why The Boeing 737 MAX 9 Has Such A Long Takeoff Roll 737 max 9 The 737 MAX 9's weight and length cause its long takeoff roll. These issues were also experienced by the 737-900ER. Posts 16 1 day ago Delta Connection_SkyWest Airlines Embraer E175 Departing PHX shutterstock_2276087481 $3.6 Billion: SkyWest Discloses Major Order For 60 Embraer E175s & 50 Options Embraer At least 14 of the 60 Embraer E175s would be operated on behalf of Delta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines said. Posts 16 4 days ago Aircraft The Aircraft Replacing The Airbus A380 Airbus A380 Airlines are steadily moving away from A380s in favor of long-haul twin-engine aircraft that offer improved efficiency and operating costs. Posts 27 3 days ago VietJet Airbus A321neo Taxiing Airbus Bags Deal For Up To 150 A321neo Aircraft From VietJet Airbus The Vietnamese carrier has long favored aircraft from the European planemaker. Posts 25 5 days ago Boeing 777X Inside The Largest Twinjet Ever Built Boeing 777X: Inside The Largest Twinjet Ever Built Boeing 777X A new plane with a new experience for passengers from nose to tail. What can we expect once this jet enters service? Posts 28 2 days ago ATR 42 Inflight JSX To Become A Rare US ATR Operator With Orders For 15 ATR 42-600s ATR JSX also has options for another 10 aircraft. Posts 14 5 days ago * Airline News United Airlines Boeing 737-700 landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ shutterstock_2404382501 United Airlines Resumes Washington Dulles-Albuquerque Route American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER landing at MIA USDOT Accepts American Airlines' New Flagship Suite Armrest As In Compliance With ACAA LEVEL Airbus A330-200 landing at BCN shutterstock_1685267053 USDOT Approves IAG's LEVEL To Fly To The US: Codeshare With Iberia See More Trending Now An Airbus A320ceo of Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines taxiing at Salt Lake City International Airport Salt Lake City International Airport Poised To Finish Rebuild By Next Year shortfield Why The Boeing 757 Has Such Amazing Short-Field Performance Is A Boeing 777-300ER Bigger Than An Airbus A380 Is A Boeing 777-300ER Bigger Than An Airbus A380? Simple Flying logo * Join Our Team * Our Audience * About Us * Press & Events * Media Coverage * Contact Us * Follow Us * * * * * * Valnet Logo * * Advertising * Careers * Terms * Privacy * Policies Simple Flying is part of the Valnet Publishing Group Copyright (c) 2025 Valnet Inc.