Malcolm B Loc: Leicester (UK)

The RAF, on their TriStar air-to-air refuelers, use a hose and drogue system.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Bill.:) I don't think the Toyota could keep up! :):)
Erv

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

And I thought you were the guy who could tune things up so they would run faster.

Bob K. Loc: Indiana

Good picture Erv, I can see the plane clearly and you can see the gas hose extending from the rear of the plane.
He definitely is getting in position to refuel another plane.
They don't go flying around the country with the refueling hose hanging down under the plane.
Bob K.

flightdog

That's an AirBus A320. The "refueling boom" you think you see is the starboard wing. You said Cleveland right, probably a United Airlines flight.

steve CIT Loc: Reno, NV

If you can see the hose then you are a better person than myself, plus this Airbus tanker is a very long way from home! Some Airbuses are being converted to tanker/ frieghters for use by the RAF to replace the aging Tristar. As Nikonian 72 pointed out the RAF use a basket to refuel, as you can refuel three aircraft at the same time compared to the flying boon used by the US. All Tanker aircraft used by the RAF [Tristar, VC-10, Hercules C-130] all have three baskets, one under each wing on a pod and a center basket under the fuselage.
All US tankers use a flying boon [with the exception of the C-130 which uses baskets for refuel of helicopters].
Regardless of boons or baskets, the aircraft in the photograph is an Airbus of 319 or 320 family and not a BOEING which is one of the US Tanker aircraft.
How can I be so sure of my facts? I flew for the Royal Air Force for 11 years and was the Squadrons Aircraft Recognitions officer who taught pilots how to recognize various aircraft- I think that makes me suitably qualified to state 'This is a civilian aircraft, not engaged in air to air refuel and should NOT be intercepted!!'

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I do still have the bottle of nitrous from my racing days. Can you come help pick up the pieces if I try it? :):)
Erv

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

Yes if you have a front end loader tractor.

flightdog

Like I said before...AirBus. Not a tanker. Airliner. IAE engines. United or USAirways maybe Spirit.

You're looking at the starboard wing with the winglet or the tail feathers trying to make them into refueling booms.

Just a plain old plane. AirBus.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Well, I know what it's not, Erv. It's not the FedEx plane that flies too close over the roof of our house. :-D

NormPR

Definitely KC-135, as stated earlier..

NormPR

I love seeing the Fed-Ex and UPS planes takeoff and land, they are loaded to the hilt and it takes forever to gain altitude and slowly loose the altitude to land.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Any RAF tanker flying over Cleveland would get a rude reception.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Is there an echo in here?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

'Xactly!