What is the point of air refueling?

The goal of aerial refueling is to extend the range or time an aircraft can remain in the air. Aerial refueling also saves time because the aircraft doesn’t have to land to refuel. It also benefits aircraft operating on short runways, which have to limit their takeoff weight to be able clear the end of the runway.

What kind of plane will the KC 46A refuel?

The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command approved the operation of KC-46A Pegasus to refuel AC-130J Ghostrider, HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130J Commando II, C-5M Super Galaxy and E-3G Sentry. Following this qualification, the KC-46 can now refuel nearly 70\% of the receiving aircraft requiring in-flight refueling.

Can jets refuel in air?

The cost of the refueling equipment on both tanker and receiver aircraft and the specialized aircraft handling of the aircraft to be refueled (very close “line astern” formation flying) has resulted in the activity only being used in military operations. There is no known regular civilian in-flight refueling activity.

How does in flight refueling work?

To complete an aerial refueling, the tanker and receiver aircraft rendezvous, flying in formation. The receiver moves to a position behind the tanker, within safe limits of travel for the boom, aided by director lights or directions radioed by the boom operator.

What are the safety precautions for refueling an aircraft?

Safety Precautions. (1) Ground the fueling/defueling equipment (vehicle or fuel hydrant equipment) to the airplane with designated grounding cable(s). Ensure fueling/defueling equipment is grounded to an approved static ground. Ground the airplane to an approved static ground with grounding cable.

What are the Air Force refueling planes?

Boeing and Airbus are the only makers of new, jet-powered, strategic refueling planes. Boeing’s KC-46 is based on the 767 airliner, while Airbus’ Multi-Role Tanker Transport, or MRTT, is based on the A330. Lockheed Martin and Embraer make smaller, tactical refueling aircraft.

Can the KC-46 be refueled?

WASHINGTON — The KC-46 Pegasus is now able to refuel the Air Force’s fourth-generation fighter jets during missions for U.S. Transportation Command, expanding the service’s air refueling capacity and the capability of its newest tanker.

Can the KC-46 be refueled in the air?

How much fuel does a KC-135 carry?

The KC-135 can haul either 83,000 pounds of cargo, airlift up to 80 passengers or carry 202,800 pounds of JP-4 jet fuel, most of which is transferable for global refueling missions.