This Cockpit Video Of A KC-10 Refueling Another KC-10 Is Amazing

Published Dec 22, 2019 8:52 PM EST

We see many awesome aerial refueling videos from the boom operator’s point of view, but far fewer from the receiver’s point of view, especially of one KC-10 Extender refueling another. That’s why the video below, posted by KC-10 pilot Solongflyboyz on Instagram is so cool. Not only is the perspective really unique and fantastic, but you get to see the masters of aerial refueling practicing the art directly with one another.

If you watch the boom carefully along with the pilot’s control inputs, you get an idea of just how talented these folks are. It all looks so smooth, but a lot of work and concentration goes into creating that illusion. This is a challenging skill to master, as many have found out the hard way .

While the force of 59 KC-10s can refuel in flight, nearly the entirety of the KC-135R force cannot, with just a handful of special operations-focused KC-135RTs equipped with their own refueling receptacles. You can read all about those aircraft and their shadowy mission here .

It’s unclear just how long the KC-10 force will remain in the USAF’s fleet. Major delays in the KC-46 program has extended its service, but even when they do eventually get retired, they are highly likely to fall directly into the hands of private aerial refueling contractors, which is a good thing .

In the meantime, Extender crews will keep fighter, bomber, surveillance, and transport aircraft’s tanks full, as well as each other’s.

Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com

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发布于 2019 年 12 月 22 日晚上 8:52（美国东部时间）。

我们经常看到从加油员视角拍摄的精彩空中加油视频，但从受油机视角拍摄的却少之又少，尤其是KC-10加油机互相加油的画面。正因如此，下面这段由KC-10飞行员Solongflyboyz发布在Instagram上的视频才显得如此酷炫。不仅视角独特精彩，还能看到空中加油高手们直接切磋技艺。

如果你仔细观察吊杆的动作以及飞行员的操控操作，就能体会到这些人技艺之精湛。一切看起来如此流畅，但为了营造这种效果，需要付出大量的努力和高度的专注。这是一项极具挑战性的技能，许多人都曾为此付出过惨痛的代价。

虽然59架KC-10加油机可以进行空中加油，但几乎所有KC-135R加油机都不具备这项能力，只有少数几架专门执行特种作战任务的KC-135RT配备了空中加油接口。您可以在这里阅读有关这些飞机及其神秘任务的全部信息。

目前尚不清楚KC-10机队将在美国空军服役多久。KC-46项目的重大延误延长了KC-10的服役时间，但即便它们最终退役，也极有可能直接落入私人空中加油承包商手中，这是一件好事。

与此同时，“加油机”机组人员将保持战斗机、轰炸机、侦察机和运输机的油箱满油，同时也会互相补充油箱。

联系作者：Tyler@thedrive.com

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