Can a KC-135 be refueled in the air?

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force’s capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

Do commercial planes refuel in the air?

Technically it can, if the aircraft has special refueling equipment like the Air Force One does. But most safety regulators will not allow it . Air to air refueling is inherently very unsafe. It is not a good idea to allow two planes, one fully loaded with fuel and the other with passengers, to come so close.

When was the first aerial refueling?

June 27, 1923
The first successful aerial refueling took place on June 27, 1923, when a DH-4B carrying Lts. Virgil Hine and Frank W. Seifert passed gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B flying beneath it carrying Lts.

What is a Stratotanker used for?

The KC-135 Stratotanker’s primary mission is to refuel long-range bombers. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft. Four turbojets, mounted under wings swept 35 degrees, power the KC-135.

How long can a Stratotanker fly for?

The Air Force projected that E and R models have lifetime flying hour limits of 36,000 and 39,000 hours, respectively. According to the Air Force, only a few KC-135s would reach these limits by 2040, when some aircraft would be about 80 years old.

Can helicopters be refueled in the air?

There are a number of helicopters capable of refueling mid-air. Some of them include the HH-60G Pave Hawk, and the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, among others. This refueling is possible with a helicopter from the French Air Force and a tanker, MC-130 from the U.S. Air Force.

Do airplanes dump sewage?

Airlines are not allowed to dump their waste tanks in mid-flight, and pilots have no mechanism by which to do so; however, leaks sometimes do occur from a plane’s septic tank.

Who invented air refueling?

The British also tinkered with air refueling during the 1930s. Their goal was not to extend an aircraft’s flight time, but to reduce fuel weight during take-off so an aircraft could carry more bombs. To achieve this, Flight Lieutenant Richard Atcherley developed the looped-hose aerial refueling system in 1934.

How does air refueling work?

Modern aircraft use one of two systems for aerial refueling: aerial boom or probe-and- drogue. In the aerial boom system, used primarily by the Air Force, the receiving plane flies in close formation to the tanker. A boom operator in the tanker then flies a rigid boom into a receptacle on the top of the aircraft.

What is the purpose of an aerial refueling aircraft?

In the world of today and especially for the air forces of the world’s militaries, the aerial refueling aircraft’s purpose is indispensable. It is a strategic asset of any military as this act for them as an airborne station. These airborne stations are capable of prolonging the range of the fighter jets as well as the reconnaissance aircraft.

Why is there no civilian refueling in the US Air Force?

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.

What was the first aircraft refueling system?

In 1934, Cobham had founded Flight Refuelling Ltd and by 1938 had used FRL’s looped-hose system to refuel aircraft as large as the Short Empire flying boat Cambria from an Armstrong Whitworth AW.23. Handley Page Harrows were used in the 1939 trials to perform aerial refueling of the Empire flying boats for regular transatlantic crossings.

Why is air refueling a strategic asset of the military?

It is a strategic asset of any military as this act for them as an airborne station. These airborne stations are capable of prolonging the range of the fighter jets as well as the reconnaissance aircraft. By performing air refueling, these aircraft can prolong their time to do the job.