The B-2 stealth bombers that hit Iran’s Fordow nuclear site were built for long trips and came with special features to help the pilots stay comfortable during the 36-hour mission from Missouri to Iran and back.

These advanced American aircraft were first made to carry nuclear weapons during the Cold War. On Friday, they flew from Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City, taking 18 hours each way and refuelling in the air several times.

To make the long journey easier, the bombers have microwaves and mini-fridges in the cockpit so pilots can heat up and store food. They also have a small restroom, just like on long flights, to help the crew stay comfortable during the mission.

About the B-2 Bomber

The B-2 was introduced in 1997 and each bomber costs over $2 billion. The US Air Force has 19 of them now after one crashed in 2008. The bomber has a large wingspan of 172 feet and only needs two pilots to fly it. It uses automated systems to help with long flights. During the mission to Iran, seven B-2 bombers took part in "Operation Midnight Hammer." They flew in complete radio silence, meaning they didn’t communicate with the base or each other during the flight. The pilots took turns sleeping to stay alert.

This mission, which lasted 37 hours, is now the longest B-2 flight since the 2001 US military strike on Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. It began on Saturday at 6:40 PM ET and lasted 25 minutes inside Iran. A lead B-2 bomber dropped two GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs, each weighing 15 tons-on Fordow. This was the first time the US had used these powerful bombs in combat, according to reports.

The B-2s were joined by fighter jets and support aircraft near Iranian airspace.US military officials said the B-2s connected with these aircraft in a highly coordinated, quiet operation. “It required perfect timing across multiple aircraft in a very narrow airspace,” said General Daniel Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Pilots on this mission endured a 36-hour round trip from Missouri to Iran and back. These long flights are supported by specially equipped B-2s, which include microwaves, mini-fridges, and even a small restroom. Crews have previously brought cots or camping pads to manage such long hours in the air. The Fordow strike marks the longest B-2 mission since the US airstrikes in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.