air to air refuelling...
Discussion
Having just watched a programme about the C5 in which it refuels over the Atlantic I was reminded of the difference of approach by various forces and branches.
It seems that the US air-force are happy with and continue to use the boom method whilst the USMC and Navy use the drogue (? I made that up as I couldn't think of what to call it, but the basket and probe IYKWIM) method as do the RAF.
Just wondering what's the benefit and downside of each method? Also why would differing forces from the same nation choose different methods, it seems to me that economies could be made choosing one.
Also I have a lack of knowledge about air to air refuelling from other non-western nations so if anyone can shed light on this area I would be grateful.
It seems that the US air-force are happy with and continue to use the boom method whilst the USMC and Navy use the drogue (? I made that up as I couldn't think of what to call it, but the basket and probe IYKWIM) method as do the RAF.
Just wondering what's the benefit and downside of each method? Also why would differing forces from the same nation choose different methods, it seems to me that economies could be made choosing one.
Also I have a lack of knowledge about air to air refuelling from other non-western nations so if anyone can shed light on this area I would be grateful.
As above - the boom allows far higher transfer rates than probe/drogue.
On the other hand, probe/drogue allows for multiple (smaller) types to be hooked up to the tanker at the same time, and the drogue system can be modularised as a detachable underwing store, allowing it to be deployed on a range of smaller types.
On the other hand, probe/drogue allows for multiple (smaller) types to be hooked up to the tanker at the same time, and the drogue system can be modularised as a detachable underwing store, allowing it to be deployed on a range of smaller types.
Boom use also puts the emphasis on the tanker aircraft. Contingency in case of damaged aircraft and/or injured/exhausted receiver pilot.He just has to get close enough for the boomer to get him. Rather than the probe and drogue method with the skill emphasis on the receiving aircraft being able to fly accurately enough to get "his wet spaghetti up the cats ar5e" 
It definitely was for 1968. Not sure if it is that impressive now in that it has been surpassedn by a number of newer aircraft.
The flight deck lookls decidedly old fashioned too. It is large by airliner standards and still features a flight engineer - who went the way of the navigator and radio operator on airliners almost 20 years ago.
The flight deck lookls decidedly old fashioned too. It is large by airliner standards and still features a flight engineer - who went the way of the navigator and radio operator on airliners almost 20 years ago.
Thanks for the replies, I didn't realise there would be that much difference in transfer rates across the two methods but it makes sense.
Also moving the skill emphasis was apparent in the film, the boomer having to work quite hard.
Anyone know what method the Russians and Chinese use?
Also moving the skill emphasis was apparent in the film, the boomer having to work quite hard.
Anyone know what method the Russians and Chinese use?
Except they ain't hooked up. So it's really fraudulent to say that they can A/A at that low level over Moscow.
Also, the small pointy thing is definitely in the way if things were to go pear shaped. Still, nice framed picture of soviet antiques pleasing the president (or is he the PM this week).
Also, the small pointy thing is definitely in the way if things were to go pear shaped. Still, nice framed picture of soviet antiques pleasing the president (or is he the PM this week).
Mojocvh said:
Except they ain't hooked up. So it's really fraudulent to say that they can A/A at that low level over Moscow.
Also, the small pointy thing is definitely in the way if things were to go pear shaped. Still, nice framed picture of soviet antiques pleasing the president (or is he the PM this week).
I think the picture was taken back in May during the celebration of the end of the Great Patriotic War.Also, the small pointy thing is definitely in the way if things were to go pear shaped. Still, nice framed picture of soviet antiques pleasing the president (or is he the PM this week).
. Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff