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Could a KC-135 Tanker Tow a Jet Fighter?
Sep 27, 2015 08:27:37 #
We've all seen pictures of tankers refueling jet in flight. Would a tanker be able to tow a disabled jet with that boom?
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-time-a-tanker-saved-a-fighter-that-was-falling-apar-1733187406?rev=1443299235262
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-time-a-tanker-saved-a-fighter-that-was-falling-apar-1733187406?rev=1443299235262
Sep 27, 2015 08:37:05 #
Sep 27, 2015 08:48:46 #
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Sep 27, 2015 09:07:01 #
Sep 28, 2015 07:12:56 #
Sep 28, 2015 08:46:52 #
winfordb
Loc: Georgia
Short answer is yes it could we were taught how to accomplish this accomplish this maneuver and it was not that difficult to do.
jerryc41 wrote:
We've all seen pictures of tankers refueling jet in flight. Would a tanker be able to tow a disabled jet with that boom?
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-time-a-tanker-saved-a-fighter-that-was-falling-apar-1733187406?rev=1443299235262
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-time-a-tanker-saved-a-fighter-that-was-falling-apar-1733187406?rev=1443299235262
Sep 28, 2015 11:29:34 #
budclem
Loc: orcutt, ca
I was a Flight Engineer on a KC-97 (propeller Driven)after Korea and while refueling Fighter Jets the Boom Operator could maneuver the fighter easly.
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Sep 28, 2015 11:41:04 #
winfordb wrote:
Short answer is yes it could we were taught how to accomplish this accomplish this maneuver and it was not that difficult to do.
budclem wrote:
I was a Flight Engineer on a KC-97 (propeller Driven)after Korea and while refueling Fighter Jets the Boom Operator could maneuver the fighter easly.
Sounds like it wasn't such a big deal after all.
Sep 28, 2015 11:48:35 #
Sep 28, 2015 12:23:11 #
Towing a limping jet fighter by a KC-135 is definitely possible and been done more than once. We came across similar situations during the Vietnam war, where fighters were returning from their targets with either fuel tanks perforated by enemy fire, or other battle damage to the aircraft making control difficult. Due to situations like that, Tanker (KC-135) crew members were treated like heroes by the fighter community.
Sep 28, 2015 12:35:21 #
Nothing like the cavalry coming over the horizon when you really need 'em. Brave guys indeed.
Sep 28, 2015 14:05:07 #
I would have thought the drag would have been sufficient to disconnect the fighter. There is an emergency disconnect procedure if one or both aircraft has an emergency.
Sep 28, 2015 15:12:10 #
suterjo wrote:
I would have thought the drag would have been sufficient to disconnect the fighter. There is an emergency disconnect procedure if one or both aircraft has an emergency.
Correct.
Sep 28, 2015 15:50:10 #
Here's a similar story, but involving two F-4 Phantoms over enemy territory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardo's_Push
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardo's_Push
Sep 28, 2015 18:33:55 #
jerryc41 wrote:
We've all seen pictures of tankers refueling jet in flight. Would a tanker be able to tow a disabled jet with that boom?
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-time-a-tanker-saved-a-fighter-that-was-falling-apar-1733187406?rev=1443299235262
http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-time-a-tanker-saved-a-fighter-that-was-falling-apar-1733187406?rev=1443299235262
No Jerry, that can't happen. After 6-years in the Air Force I can tell you the boom on a KC 135 is really weak and would break under such stress.
When refueling both aircraft are flying under their own power, as I'm sure you know. If the fueling aircraft suddenly lost power the boom operator in the 35 would instantly break contact.
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