All articles tagged with #aerial refueling
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker involved in aerial refueling crashed in Iraq, killing four personnel. Officials have not released a cause, and a military investigation is underway with further details expected as updates come in.
A pilot recounts the challenges of aerial refueling in an underpowered CF-5 fighter-trainer aircraft. The heavy external load and limited thrust of the jet made it difficult to maintain speed and maneuverability behind the Boeing 707 tanker. The pilot struggled to make successful contact with the refueling basket, but eventually managed to plug in and complete the refueling. The article highlights the importance of proper training and the unique difficulties faced by pilots in air-to-air refueling operations.
The Oregon Air National Guard is celebrating 100 years of aerial refueling with Operation Centennial Contact, showcasing the vital role of aerial refueling in military operations.
Four KC-135 Stratotankers from Fairchild Air Force Base conducted flyovers over 17 landmarks across the Northwest to celebrate the centennial anniversary of aerial refueling. The flyovers included air refueling demonstrations with other aircraft at select locations and covered states such as Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the capabilities of combat aircraft and enabling strategic deterrence for the United States.
Two F-16s and a refueling aircraft will fly over Fort Collins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of aerial refueling. The first aerial refueling mission was accomplished on June 27, 1923. The flyovers will happen at about 2,500 feet above ground level and will take place in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Aerial refueling enhances the speed, range, lethality, flexibility, and versatility of combat aircraft, serving as a force multiplier.
The U.S. Air Force conducted two flyovers in Tennessee, including one in Knoxville, to celebrate 100 years of aerial refueling. A KC-135R Stratotanker and two F-16 Fighting Falcons flew over Neyland Stadium and near Interstate 40 as part of the national celebration. Aerial refueling remains critical to U.S. defense efforts, and the Air Force is in the process of recapitalizing its tanker fleet and pursuing the next-generation air refueling system.
The United States Air Force is conducting a nationwide flyover to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first aerial refueling. Over 150 tankers will participate, including the 151st Air Refueling Wing in Utah. The flyover will pass through various landmarks in the state, starting at Utah State University in Logan and ending in Park City. Aerial refueling has been crucial to the Department of Defense's missions, allowing for the projection of airpower across the globe. In addition to refueling, tankers also perform other important tasks such as cargo transport and aeromedical evacuations.
Two B-52 Stratofortresses will fly over Duluth, Minnesota, in formation with two KC-135 Stratotankers to demonstrate aerial refueling, as part of a series of flyovers to celebrate 100 years of aerial refueling. The flyover is set for 2:30 p.m. and will head north over Grand Avenue and downtown Duluth.
The Michigan Air National Guard will fly over several Michigan cities on June 27, 2023, to mark "100 years of aerial refueling excellence." The flyover will include KC-135 Stratotankers and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs based at Selfridge and operated by the 127th Wing. The flyover will originate from Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Detroit and will travel counter-clockwise around the Lower Peninsula, with appearances over several cities before landing at Selfridge. Other states are also having flyovers to mark 100 years since the first mid-air refueling by the U.S. Army Air Service.
Boeing and Aurora Flight Sciences are developing new and advanced defensive capabilities for the KC-46 Pegasus and other future aerial refueling and mobility aircraft, as the Air Force considers whether to skip a competition for its next wave of tankers and buy more KC-46s. The Air Force is preparing for the possibility of a war against an advanced adversary such as China, which would involve fighting in heavily contested airspace. Boeing said having new defensive measures would make the Pegasus better able to survive in a high-end conflict, and the Air Force could choose to use these capabilities on multiple platforms.
Lockheed Martin has abandoned plans to offer contract aerial refueling services using a version of the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). While Lockheed Martin is no longer interested in providing contract tanker solutions, it is still trying to sell the LMXT to the Air Force to meet the requirements of the service's interim tanker acquisition plan, which is currently referred to as the KC-135 recapitalization effort.