B-2 Spirit hot-pit refueling operations are featured in newly released U.S. Air Force B-roll footage, offering a rare look at the speed, precision and teamwork required to keep America’s stealth bomber force mission-ready during a Bomber Task Force (BTF) deployment in Hawaii.
Filmed on July 1, 2026, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the footage shows Airmen assigned to the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducting hot-pit refueling operations on two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. An F-22 Raptor assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard also appears in the footage after returning from integration operations with the B-2s.
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B-2s Refueled Without Shutting Down Their Engines
One of the highlights of the footage is the execution of hot-pit refueling, a procedure in which an aircraft is refueled while its engines remain running.
Unlike conventional refueling, hot-pit operations eliminate the need to shut down and restart the aircraft, significantly reducing the amount of time it spends on the ground. For strategic bombers operating far from their home stations, this capability allows crews to prepare aircraft more quickly for follow-on missions while maintaining a high operational tempo.
Because the procedure involves running jet engines and large quantities of aviation fuel, it requires carefully coordinated safety measures and highly trained personnel.
Hot-pit refueling keeps engines running and turnaround times short, allowing strategic bombers to remain ready for follow-on missions far from home.
Supporting Global Bomber Task Force Operations
The refueling operations took place as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment, one of the U.S. Air Force’s primary methods for demonstrating global strike capability and strategic deterrence.
Bomber Task Force missions routinely deploy bombers to forward locations where crews can:
- Train with allied and partner air forces
- Improve interoperability across services and nations
- Demonstrate the ability to rapidly project combat power across the Indo-Pacific and other regions
- Practice operating from forward locations while sustaining long-range bomber operations far from permanent bases
In Hawaii, the deployment also included integration operations with an F-22 Raptor assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard, highlighting coordination between strategic bomber and fighter forces.
Keeping the B-2 Mission Ready
Although the Air Force is preparing to field the next-generation B-21 Raider, the B-2 Spirit remains one of the world’s most capable stealth bombers.
Designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace, the aircraft combines low-observable technology with intercontinental range and the ability to deliver both conventional and strategic weapons.
Efficient ground operations, including hot-pit refueling, play an important role in ensuring the bomber remains available for rapid tasking during deployments and contingency operations.
Why It Matters
The B-2 Spirit hot-pit refueling footage also highlights the Airmen on the ground whose work enables every sortie, an element of bomber operations that often receives less attention than the aircraft themselves.
From coordinating fuel operations to maintaining strict safety procedures around active aircraft, hot-pit refueling demonstrates the logistics, training and precision required to sustain one of the U.S. Air Force’s most important strategic assets during forward deployments.
As Bomber Task Force missions continue around the globe, rapid-turnaround procedures such as hot-pit refueling help keep the B-2 Spirit available for follow-on missions when needed.
Watch the Video
The full B-roll footage shows Airmen from the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron conducting hot-pit refueling operations on two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. An F-22 Raptor assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard is also featured after returning from integration operations with the B-2s.
Video: U.S. Air National Guard / Tech. Sgt. Whitney Erhart, 131st Bomb Wing.
FAQ: B-2 Spirit Hot-Pit Refueling
What is hot-pit refueling?
Hot-pit refueling is a procedure in which an aircraft is refueled while its engines remain running, reducing the time needed for shutdown and restart. The procedure can shorten ground time and allow crews to prepare an aircraft for its next mission more quickly.
Why was the B-2 Spirit refueling at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam?
The refueling took place during a Bomber Task Force deployment to Hawaii involving B-2s operated by the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. The deployment also included integration operations with an F-22 Raptor assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard.
Is the B-2 Spirit being replaced by the B-21 Raider?
The U.S. Air Force is preparing to field the B-21 Raider as part of its next generation of long-range strike aircraft. The B-2 Spirit remains operational and continues to provide long-range, low-observable strike capability while the B-21 program advances.
Looking Ahead
The footage demonstrates the continuing importance of ground crew readiness in sustaining America’s stealth bomber force. As Bomber Task Force missions continue around the globe, procedures such as B-2 Spirit hot-pit refueling will remain an important part of maintaining aircraft availability during forward operations.
The Aviation Diary will continue covering Bomber Task Force deployments, the B-2 Spirit, the B-21 Raider program and other major developments in military aviation.
Sources
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