Prior to their historic 37-hour mission targeting Iran’s nuclear facility at Fordo, U.S. Air Force pilots dedicated an extensive amount of time to training. They spent a grueling 24 hours straight in a B-2 bomber flight simulator, which accurately replicates the aircraft's cockpit environment. This rigorous training regimen ensured that the pilots were well-prepared for the complexities of their mission.
In the weeks leading up to the operation, the pilots engaged in numerous simulated runs on a target designed to closely resemble the heavily fortified site nestled deep within a mountain. These simulations were critical in familiarizing the pilots with the unique challenges they would face during the actual mission, which was launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
According to retired Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham, who has extensive experience flying the B-2 in both training and combat, the actual mission was marked by several key differences from their simulations. One of the most notable sensations was the “feel of the clunk” when the weapons bay doors opened. This momentarily altered the shape of the stealth aircraft, potentially making it more visible to enemy radar.
The B-2 bombers that executed the attack on Fordo were equipped with two Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, specifically designed to neutralize targets buried deep underground. Each bomber carried a staggering total of 60,000 pounds of ordnance. As the two-person crews released their payload, the aircraft likely experienced a brief upward surge, a new sensation for the pilots involved.
While other bombers in the U.S. arsenal, such as the B-1 and B-52, have played significant roles in conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, dropping a vast number of bombs in support of ground operations, the B-2 serves a more specialized purpose. This aircraft, recognized as the most expensive plane in history at $2.2 billion per unit, is designed for precision strikes on high-value targets, making it a vital asset in the U.S. military's strategic operations.
The successful completion of the mission against Iran's Fordo facility underscores the importance of advanced training and the specialized capabilities of the B-2 bomber. As military technology continues to evolve, the role of such aircraft remains crucial in ensuring national security and addressing emerging threats.
