
In a dramatic demonstration of military innovation and agility, two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the 393rd Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, executed a groundbreaking operation on May 28.

A scenario that would typically involve a team of maintainers was remarkably handled by a single pilot from each aircraft at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, marking a significant shift toward leaner, more autonomous operations.

This operation not only signifies a shift in the Air Force’s approach but also highlights a broader trend of integrating advanced technologies to enhance combat readiness.

The military landscape is changing rapidly, and as it does, the roles and capabilities of the aircraft and their pilots are evolving to meet the challenges of ‘great power competition’.

According to Maj. Bo Bateman, a B-2 instructor pilot, “This is a new concept for pilots, generally speaking, to refuel their own aircraft, and do it in a timely manner.” This initiative aligns with the “agile combat employment” concept, which envisages small teams of multiskilled airmen quickly deploying to new airfields with minimal support to assemble their operations.

Col. Geoffrey Steeves, 509th Operations Group commander, remarked on the successful refueling exercise, “This exercise is another fine example of bombers executing agile combat employment. It is the first time that the 393rd Bomb Squadron has executed B-2 ‘cold-pit’ refueling operations without the help of our maintenance professionals on the ground.”

The “cold-pit” refueling, a term referring to refueling the aircraft with its engines turned off, has traditionally required ground personnel.

However, this self-service refueling demonstrates the potential for pilots to handle the procedure alone, streamlining the operation and enhancing flexibility, particularly for the B-2 fleet, which is crucial in deterring conflict with other nuclear powers.

The planning for this unique mission required meticulous preparation, including compiling checklists and practicing the refueling process. With the engines off, the pilot, Bateman, described the challenge of connecting the fuel hose, emphasizing the creativity needed to maneuver the hose correctly.

Moreover, this operation builds upon the work of the 110th Bomb Squadron, a Missouri Air National Guard unit that completed a similar operation earlier. The collaboration between the active duty and Guard units underscores an ongoing effort to refine agile combat operations further.

Looking ahead, the Air Force aims to make this streamlined operation standard practice across the B-2 community. Training is being updated to include the pilot-turned-maintainer role, and future operations could see pilots landing, refueling, and taking off without shutting down the aircraft’s engines—a process known as “hot-pit” refueling.

This operational test complements the development of cutting-edge aircraft like the X-36, a remotely piloted demonstrator of an extremely agile, very stealthy fighter, which integrates high-risk technologies developed by NASA and industry.

The X-36, designed by NASA and McDonnell Douglas, represents a confluence of stealth and high performance with its tailless planform, classified thrust-vectoring system, and high-rate digital fly-by-wire flight controls.

As reported by senior Air Force Times reporter, the X-36’s potential for reduced weight and drag and improvements in range and survivability are promising for future aircraft designs.

The program’s success at a fraction of the cost and time typically required for such projects has been a testament to efficient collaboration and innovative manufacturing techniques, such as low-temperature cured composites and advanced CAD/CAM procedures.