Air Refueling

av8rmongo · 03-13-2008, 15:44 PM

I'm trying to sort out some questions about the evolution of air to air refueling and I was hoping someone here could help. As late as 1973 the KB-50 (B-29 derivative tanker) had been photographed refueling three fighters simultaneously (using probe and drogue). Doctrinally at least, current USAF practice is to only refuel two aircraft at a time even though a KC-135 with a BDA (boom drogue adaptor) could in theory refuel three aircraft. Does any one know when that doctrine change was made?

In a related question, RAF VC10C1K3/4 and Italy's B707 tankers would seem to have the theoretical capability for three simultaneous refuelings. Does anyone know if this is practiced? Does anyone have any photos or other documents/websites to support it?

Thanks

Paul

GAU-8 · 03-14-2008, 12:54 PM

Hope this article helps:
Code One Magazine: Aerial Refueling — January 1993

I've been out of the air-to-air refueling biz for 12 years now. From what I remember, it was dicey if you only did it twice a year for practice. If you did it twice a day over the period of a two week excercise, it became easy. That being said, I wouldn't want to be in on a multiple refueling.

Jimmy · 03-15-2008, 15:45 PM

Especially with the size of many modern fighters.

av8rmongo · 03-17-2008, 10:44 AM

Thanks for the help!

03-13-2008, 15:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
av8rmongo New Member Join Date: 05-25-07 Location: D.C Area Posts: 11 Country:	Air Refueling I'm trying to sort out some questions about the evolution of air to air refueling and I was hoping someone here could help. As late as 1973 the KB-50 (B-29 derivative tanker) had been photographed refueling three fighters simultaneously (using probe and drogue). Doctrinally at least, current USAF practice is to only refuel two aircraft at a time even though a KC-135 with a BDA (boom drogue adaptor) could in theory refuel three aircraft. Does any one know when that doctrine change was made? In a related question, RAF VC10C1K3/4 and Italy's B707 tankers would seem to have the theoretical capability for three simultaneous refuelings. Does anyone know if this is practiced? Does anyone have any photos or other documents/websites to support it? Thanks Paul

03-14-2008, 12:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
GAU-8 Old Cold Warrior *Military Professional* Join Date: 02-14-07 Location: Grapevine, Texas Posts: 453 Country:	Hope this article helps: Code One Magazine: Aerial Refueling — January 1993 I've been out of the air-to-air refueling biz for 12 years now. From what I remember, it was dicey if you only did it twice a year for practice. If you did it twice a day over the period of a two week excercise, it became easy. That being said, I wouldn't want to be in on a multiple refueling. __________________ *When a prang seems inevitable, endeavor to strike the softest, cheapest object in the vicinity, as slowly as possible. --WW II RAF Instructor Pilot*

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03-15-2008, 15:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jimmy *Military Professional* Join Date: 11-16-05 Posts: 930 Country:	Especially with the size of many modern fighters.

03-17-2008, 10:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
av8rmongo New Member Join Date: 05-25-07 Location: D.C Area Posts: 11 Country:	Thanks for the help!

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