All
← Back to Squawk list
F-22 Night Aerial Refueling during Islamic State Operations
An F-22 Raptor receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over the U.S. Central Command area of operations, while supporting air strikes in Syria, Sept. 27, 2014. (www.youtube.com) More...
That was really cool. I liked the light on top of the fuselage, and the light at the end of the boom.
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.
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.
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.
