Refueling
Aerial refueling plays a crucial role in extending the operational range and endurance of military aircraft, which significantly enhances their ability to undertake long missions while maintaining operational flexibility. The Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) merges the essential functions of air transport and refueling, making it versatile and adaptable to a wide variety of military operations by employing both the probe-and-drogue and boom refueling methods. The KC-10 Extender, with its extensive fuel capacity, efficiently refuels fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters, thereby supporting essential long-range missions. Meanwhile, the KC-135 Stratotanker, which has been in service since the 1950s, remains vital for effectively refueling fighter jets and bombers, having evolved through a series of important upgrades over the decades. The KC-46 Pegasus, which represents the latest generation of multi-role tankers, is equipped with advanced systems designed for refueling, cargo transport, and accommodating passengers. Collectively, the MRTT, KC-10, KC-135, and KC-46 serve to underscore the strategic importance of aerial refueling in supporting and ensuring the success of modern military operations across various scenarios.
KC-10
The KC-10 Extender is a remarkable military aerial refuelling tanker that has been expertly derived from the well-known McDonnell Douglas DC-10. It significantly enhances the operational range and endurance of various military aircraft by providing essential mid-air refuelling capabilities. With its incredibly large fuel capacity, the KC-10 is instrumental in supporting both strategic and tactical missions across diverse theaters of operation. Equipped with cutting-edge advanced avionics, it offers both boom and hose-and-drogue refuelling methods, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of aircraft types. Serving as a versatile multi-role asset, it can also expertly transport vital cargo and personnel when needed. Since its introduction in the 1980s, the KC-10 has played a crucial role in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, consistently proving its versatility and reliability for air mobility and logistics operations. It continues to remain a vital asset for sustained air operations, underscoring its importance in the modern military landscape.
Seen below are a selection of KC-10s at RAF Mildenhall over the past few years prior to being retired from active duty, these examples below are from both the 60th Air Mobility Wing based at Travis Air Force Base in California and the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey
KC-135
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refuelling aircraft developed by Boeing, entering service in the late 1950s. Designed primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF), it has played a critical role in extending the range and operational capabilities of various military aircraft through in-flight refuelling. The KC-135 features a distinctive fuselage built for carrying out its refuelling missions, equipped with multiple boom and hose-and-drogue systems, allowing it to refuel different types of aircraft. Over the decades, the KC-135 has undergone several upgrades to enhance its performance, reliability, and avionics, ensuring it remains an integral part of air mobility and global reach strategies. With a service history that spans over six decades, the KC-135 continues to support operations worldwide, contributing to both strategic airlift and combat readiness.
Seen below are a big selection of KC-135s operated by the United States Air Force seen at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, as well as the based 100th Air Refuelling Wing and several interesting examples like 60-0332 based in Alaska
A330 MRTT
The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a versatile military aircraft developed from the civilian Airbus A330 airliner. It serves multiple roles, including air-to-air refuelling, logistics support, and medical evacuation. Equipped with advanced technologies, the A330 MRTT boasts a wide operational range and a large payload capacity, allowing it to support multiple missions effectively.
The aircraft features a modified fuselage with additional fuel storage tanks and can be configured to transport troops, cargo, or medical patients. Its refuelling capabilities include both probe-and-drogue and boom systems, making it compatible with a wide range of aircraft. With its ability to operate seamlessly in various environments, the A330 MRTT has become an essential asset for air forces around the world, enhancing strategic operational flexibility and extending the reach of deployed forces.
Seen above is Royal Saudi Air Force A330 MRTT 2403 departing RAF Fairford for a long flight back to Saudi Arabia
Seen below T-056 a A330 MRTT belonging to NATO on approach to RAF Mildenhall
Seen above is one of RAFs examples just touching down at London Stansted in miserable conditions
Seen below arriving at Heathrow is Australian A39-007 in a VIP configuration bringing in the Australian prime minister
KC-46
The KC-46 Pegasus is a military aerial refuelling aircraft developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force. Designed to replace the ageing KC-135 Stratotanker, the KC-46 combines advanced technology and modern features to enhance its operational capabilities. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art refuelling system, allowing it to transfer fuel to multiple aircraft simultaneously, both through boom and hose-and-drogue methods.
With a robust cargo configuration, the KC-46 can also transport personnel and cargo, making it a versatile asset in various mission profiles. Its advanced avionics and digital cockpit enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency. The KC-46 is a key component in extending the reach and effectiveness of military operations, ensuring that the Air Force adapts to contemporary challenges in aerial warfare. As a force multiplier, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining air superiority and operational readiness in support of global missions.
Seen above is one of the United States Air Force’s new toys the KC-46 departing RAF Mildenhall heading back to the USA
Seen below at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2022 is 19-46043 a KC-46 of the United States Air Force
