US Navy P-3 Orion Aerial Refueling Testing with USAF KC-135
The following photos and narrative were provided by Billy Meeks, a former flight test boom operator at Edwards AFB.
P-3 proximity tests. The Navy wanted to demo it , we wanted to demo it, and everyone wondered why an airplane that could fly 23 hours could possibly want more fuel. A bunch of photos showing various az/el deflections at short, mid and long boom lengths. All were planned test points and the boom operator directed the receiver to the coordinates where the FTE and aerial photog recorded the event. “Receiver” pilot offered comments. A few flights and several hours to complete. Hope didn’t bore.

P-3 Orion Aerial Refueling Testing KC-135 boom receptacle Edwards AFB Flight Test

Navy P-3 testing with the KC-135 boom to drogue adapter.
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