V-22 Osprey Refueling from KC-135 Boom to Drogue Adapter (BDA)

These are pictures that I have been in search of for a very long time and I think they might be the new crown jewels of my collection. I was very excited when I finally was able to get copies of them.

Here are pictures of the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey refueling from a KC-135 boom to drogue adapter (BDA). These pictures were taken during flight testing and as of the date of this post the V-22 is not included in the ATP-56(B) refueling manual and therefore is not allowed to be refueled.

The boom to drogue adapter replaces the fuel nozzle on the tip of the boom and is attached to a 10′ internally stiffened hose that terminates in a conical drogue. The drogue and hose are not retracted inside the boom and therefore always hang out from the end of the boom. This unusual configuration often draws the attention of other aircraft and ground controllers when KC-135s operate from civilian airfields. During use, the boom is fully extended to 20 feet so that the fuel pressure in the boom does not cause it to extend.

V-22 Ground Refueling Test With a KC-135 Boom to Drogue Adapter.

V-22 Ground Refueling Test With a KC-135 Boom to Drogue Adapter.

V-22 Approaching Pre-Contact Behind A KC-135.

V-22 In Contact With KC-135 Boom to Drogue Adapter.

V-22 Flight Test Refueling With KC-135 Boom to Drogue Adapter.

V-22 in contact with a KC-135.