5 ms·
It is relatively uncommon for a single-seat (& single-pilot) fighter jet to fly more than 8-9 hours. If they do, then AFI & OPNAV duty rules restrict how these
by neurotech1 11y ago
It is relatively uncommon for a single-seat (& single-pilot) fighter jet to fly more than 8-9 hours. If they do, then AFI & OPNAV duty rules restrict how these flights are conducted (including combat ops) and how soon the crew can fly their next mission. Aircraft like the B-2 have two pilots and planned sleep periods.
According to references, 13.5 hours [0] is the record for the F-16 combat mission, and this was actually a SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) mission in a single-seat F-16CJ. Similar missions in the EA-18G extended to 13+ hours with a single pilot, along with a WSO/EWO in the back seat.
Various unofficial reports indicate F-16s do fly 14 hour ferry flights, but that is highly unusual.
[0] http://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article4413.html http://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article4413.html
- Grishnakh 11y agoWhat I'm wondering is how these fighter jet pilots deal with needing to go to the bathroom. 14 hours stuck in a tiny cockpit kinda makes it hard to relieve yourself...
- cvwright 11y agoNot sure why you are being downvoted. It is a serious question, if a bit gross. At the Evergreen Air & Space museum (home of the Spruce Goose), they have an old SR-71 on display. Part of the exhibit has a TV playing a video loop with pilots and crew talking about their experiences. One of the pilots recalls how they'd have a "high-protein, low-residue" breakfast like steak & eggs before a long mission. The idea was to provide long lasting energy without having to go "number two" in the suit. He says that some of the crew who would help them out of the flight suit at the end of a mission were female, so it'd be especially embarrassing if you'd pooped yourself. I got the impression that, while rare, it did happen sometimes. :-\
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]