Re: RAAF considers aerial refuelling options

[Jackson Harding <jaxsonjo@camtech.net.au>]

Andrew Yeung wrote:
> 
> On Tue, 21 Dec 1999 17:21:33 +1100, "L'acrobat"
> <sibehusky@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
> 
> >Frequently it's modified for local conditions.
> 
> A probe for an F-111 can't really differ can it?

Actually there are two sytems in use and they need to be considered. 
The USAF use a flying boom, so USAF type aircraft like the F-111 and
C-130 need to use this system, the operator on the tanker steers the
boom into the receptacle on the aircraft being topped up.  The USN use a
probe and drogue system eg the F/A 18, the pilot of the aircraft being
refueled flys him(her)self into the drogue.  The more observant will
notice that the RAAF flys a mix of USAF and USN sourced aircraft.  Any
Australian tanker needs both systems.
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