F-22 Night Aerial Refueling during Islamic State Operations

Nice find. Thanks for sharing

Drop one for me

Two things which I found interesting about this:

1 - the boom was kept to one side to get around the cockpit

2 - hearing the switch being thrown for the light at the end of the boom

I am not saying any of this is unusual. I, as a novice, enjoy learning about this stuff.

That was really cool. I liked the light on top of the fuselage, and the light at the end of the boom.

The real "fun" is doing it at night in the weather

Most awesome!

It's all about staying in precise formation so the boomer can "hook" you. The Navy, and most Europeans (NATO), use a "basket" (probe-and-drogue) system that is easily seen in front of the pilot. The Air Force uses a recepticle-door behind-the-pilot system that he can't see at all except w/his mirror. In day-VFR that's OK but but at night, or in weather, positioning your airplane precisely on the the "boomer's" director lights can sometimes be a challenge.

The smooth positioning of the airplane and holding it steady for the plug in is a testament to excellent piloting skill. Well done to that driver. Made it easy for the boomer.

LED lighting!

good work!!!