Why US Navy and US Air Force Use Different Refueling Methods

American fighter jets cannot cross the Atlantic without aerial refueling, which can be done in two ways. The first method involves a flying boom controlled by a boom operator, requiring three pilots: one flying the tanker, another in the receiving aircraft, and the third maneuvering the boom. The second method uses a flexible hose and a basket trailing behind the tanker, with the receiving aircraft using a probe to connect. However, these two systems are incompatible, requiring specific tankers for each method.

The Development of the Flying Boom

In the 1950s, the U.S. relied primarily on probe-and-drogue refueling for all aircraft, including bombers. However, this system had a low fuel transfer rate, making the process time-consuming. To solve this issue, the flying boom was developed, increasing fuel transfer speeds by four to five times. Between 1950 and 1951, 116 B-29 bombers were converted into tankers equipped with this new system.

The Purpose of a Refueling Slipway

Most refueling receptacles include a slipway to help guide the boom’s nozzle into place. However, early aircraft like the F-4 Phantom lacked this feature, making refueling more difficult, especially for inexperienced boom operators. To ensure precision, boom operators undergo extensive simulator training in full-motion environments that replicate real-world refueling conditions.

Challenges of Refueling Stealth Aircraft

Refueling can sometimes cause scratches on an aircraft’s body, but for stealth aircraft, this is a bigger concern due to their delicate radar-absorbent coating. Boom operators must be extra careful not to damage this coating. Aircraft like the B-2 Spirit have hidden refueling receptacles that only open when needed, ensuring a lower radar cross-section.

If a tanker’s boom cannot be retracted, it can lead to emergency landings that risk damage to the boom. Similar issues can arise with the hose-and-drogue system, potentially causing costly damage to the refueling equipment.

The Boom-Drogue Adapter

To bridge the gap between boom and drogue systems, the Boom-Drogue Adapter allows boom-equipped tankers to refuel aircraft that rely on the probe-and-drogue method. This adapter features a short hose with a drogue at the end, connected by a flexible joint. This design accommodates movement between the tanker and the receiving aircraft, ensuring a stable refueling process.