Air-to-air refueling

Air-to-air refueling (also known as tankering) is a process that involves the transfer of fuel from one aircraft (the tanker) to another (the receiver) during flight. This procedure allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer, extending its range or loiter time on station. A series of fuel systems enable this process to take place.

History

The concept of air-to-air refueling was first developed in the 1920s, with the first successful refueling taking place between two airplanes in 1923. The process was further refined during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly by the British and American military.

Procedure

The air-to-air refueling process involves two main methods: the probe-and-drogue, which is simpler to adapt to existing aircraft, and the flying boom, which offers faster fuel transfer, but requires a dedicated operator station.

Probe-and-drogue

The probe-and-drogue method employs a flexible hose that trails from the tanker aircraft. The drogue (a small parachute) stabilizes the hose in flight and provides a funnel to aid insertion of the receiver aircraft's probe. The receiver has a probe that is maneuvered into the drogue to establish fuel transfer.

Flying boom

The flying boom method employs a rigid, telescoping tube with movable flight control surfaces, controlled by a boom operator (boomer) aboard the tanker. The boom is flown into a receptacle on the receiving aircraft to establish fuel transfer.

Applications

Air-to-air refueling has been used extensively by the military, particularly in operations requiring long-range strike capabilities or extended air patrols. It has also been used in civilian applications, such as long-haul commercial flights and in the delivery of new aircraft from manufacturers to customers worldwide.

See also

• Aerial refueling
• Probe-and-drogue
• Flying boom
• Tanker (aircraft)