6 fighter jets capable of mid-air refueling
Mid-air refuelling lets fighter jets stay in the air longer without landing. This is vital in combat or long missions. Through specialised equipment, tankers transfer fuel mid-flight to fighter jets. Here are six fighters known to use mid-air refuelling to enhance their endurance.
1. F/A-18 Super Hornet - Carrier Refuelling Expert
The American F/A-18 Super Hornet regularly refuels during missions, often from tanker planes like the KC-135 or carrier-based tankers. Its advanced refuelling probes connect precisely to fuel booms in flight. This ability helps keep it airborne for extended strike or patrol missions.
2. F-16 Fighting Falcon - Versatile Mid-Air Refuel
The F-16 can refuel in the air using the flying boom or probe-and-drogue systems, making it adaptable to different tanker aircraft. The Indian Air Force recently enhanced its pilot training for such refuelling using leased KC-135 tankers. This extends the F-16’s global reach.
3. Su-30MKI - India’s Long-Range Power
India’s Su-30MKI uses aerial refuelling to boost mission range. Its probe-and-drogue system connects with tankers like the Il-78MKI. This refuelling capability is key to covering distant targets and holding air superiority.
4. Rafale - France’s Extended Combat Jet
The Rafale performs mid-air refuelling mainly via probe-and-drogue from tankers such as the Airbus A330 MRTT. This technology lets it carry more weapons or fuel while expanding how far it can operate from bases.
5. Tejas Mk1A - India’s Indigenous Fighter
The Tejas Mk1A incorporates mid-air refuelling probes. This capability, combined with its lighter frame, allows the jet longer missions. It supports India’s goal for greater operational flexibility.
6. F-35 Lightning II - Future-Ready Refuelling
The F-35 can refuel mid-air using modern systems compatible with various tankers. Boeing’s work on autonomous refuelling and collaborative tanker-drone operations further improve endurance possibilities for jets like the F-35.
)
)
)
)
)