U.S. Air Force C-141B Aerial Refueling Tests

Boeing 747 Advanced Cargo Transport Aircraft KC-33

Boeing proposed a 747 adapted as an aerial refueling tanker during the 1970s Advanced Cargo Transport Aircraft (ACTA) program that produced the McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender for the USAF. This is a summary of the aircraft modifications and flight tests of the proposed KC-33.

Airbus A330 Tanker Boom

The fly-by-wire boom allows refueling at altitudes up to 35,000 ft and speeds of 180-325 knots, Airbus says, adding that the fuel transfer rate is up to 1,200 US gal/min (4,500 l/min) at 50 psi. Fully extended, the boom measures 17 meters in length.

A F-16 sits in contact behind an Airbus A330 MRTT. The ruddevators appear to form a more acute angle than those of the KC-135. Also to be noted are the fences on the ruddevators and vortex generators on the boom fairing. Otherwise this is a very familiar sight  to KC-135 boom operators.

This image is 1920×1080 pixels and may be an indication of the fidelity that can be expected from the remote viewing system.

Image Source:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3A3a156286-aef1-4fa2-b388-6d7302c94362&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

Video tour of a KC-97L

Unfortunately this wonderful video has been removed from YouTube.

Here is a video tour of the exterior and interior of a KC-97L at the AMC Museum at Dover AFB, DE. If you visit the youtube page directly you can watch the video in high definition.

Video Source:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JizqbtfO1g0