Fact Check: "B-2 bombers executed the longest combat mission in history at 30 hours."
What We Know
The claim that B-2 bombers executed the longest combat mission in history is rooted in the aircraft's operational history. The B-2 Spirit, an advanced stealth bomber, was first used in combat during the Kosovo War in 1999 and has since participated in various military operations, including missions in Afghanistan post-9/11. Notably, in 2001, a B-2 named "Spirit of America" and five other B-2s conducted a mission that lasted over 44 hours, which is recognized as the longest air combat mission in history (source-1, source-2, source-6).
The B-2 has an unrefueled range of more than 6,000 nautical miles and can extend this range significantly with midair refueling (source-1). The specific mission in question involved a crew change during the flight, which allowed for the extended duration of the operation (source-2).
Analysis
The assertion that B-2 bombers executed a 30-hour combat mission is misleading. While it is true that the B-2 has been involved in the longest combat mission, that mission lasted over 44 hours, not 30. This discrepancy is significant because it misrepresents the actual achievement of the B-2 program. The mission involved multiple aircraft and was a coordinated effort that showcased the capabilities of the B-2 in terms of endurance and operational range (source-2, source-6).
Furthermore, the reliability of the sources varies. While the Wikipedia entry provides a broad overview of the B-2's capabilities and history, the United Service Organizations article offers a more detailed narrative of the specific mission, including the context of its execution (source-1, source-2). The information from Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer, is also credible as it directly relates to the aircraft's specifications and operational history (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that "B-2 bombers executed the longest combat mission in history at 30 hours" is Partially True. While the B-2 did indeed conduct the longest combat mission, the duration was over 44 hours, not 30. This misrepresentation of the mission's length diminishes the significance of the B-2's operational capabilities and achievements.
