Kathrine Frich
To manage the frequent need to urinate, pilots relied on what’s known as a “piddle pack.”
To manage the frequent need to urinate, pilots relied on what’s known as a “piddle pack.”
The Realities of a 44-Hour Flight in a B-2 Stealth Bomber
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Melvin Deaile revealed what it’s really like to spend nearly two days straight inside one of the world’s most advanced aircraft.
During a 44-hour mission to Afghanistan, Deaile experienced both military precision, and the odd challenges of human endurance.
High-Tech Giants With a Price Tag to Match
Costing over $2 billion each, B-2 stealth bombers are built for long-range missions and can carry up to 30,000 pounds of bombs.
Despite their cutting-edge capabilities, these high-altitude beasts are still flown by just two pilots, making cabin comfort surprisingly vital.
Surprisingly Spacious — With Room for a Nap
Unlike most bombers, the B-2 offers a bit of luxury: space.
Deaile described having enough room to lay out a sleeping bag, giving pilots some chance at rest during marathon missions. But rest is only part of the challenge.
Hydration Is Key — And So Are Frequent Toilet Breaks
Flying at high altitudes in a pressurised cockpit requires constant hydration.
Deaile and his co-pilot each drank a bottle of water every hour, which, unsurprisingly, meant a trip to the bathroom every 60 minutes.
Enter the ‘Piddle Pack’: A Pilot’s Mid-Air Lifesaver
To manage the frequent need to urinate, pilots relied on what’s known as a “piddle pack.”
These are essentially zip-lock-style bags filled with absorbent cat litter, which turns liquid into a gel to prevent leaks.
According to Deaile, they went through 80 of them during the 44-hour flight.
Number Twos? Strict Rules Apply
Melvin revealed that he and his co-pilot agreed to use the plane’s limited toilet only for more “serious business.”
All other needs were handled with piddle packs, a compromise born of necessity and tight space.
Co-Pilot Shares His Own Stealth Bomber Survival Tips
Former Lieutenant General Steven Basham, another stealth bomber veteran, also opened up about a 30-hour flight.
He recalled being too nervous to eat his carefully packed rations, including eight sandwiches and a generous helping of trail mix.
“Butterflies Over Appetite” at 50,000 Feet
Basham said his nerves often overpowered his hunger.
Despite thorough body clock adjustments and preparation, the anticipation of a critical mission left little room for food, just a need to stay alert and occupied.
Life at the Edge of the World
Both pilots described their missions as mentally and physically exhausting.
Despite the advanced technology around them, much of the experience came down to human grit, planning, and the ability to function in tight quarters for long hours.
