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Howto:Aerial refueling: Difference between revisions
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== What's possible == | == What's possible == | ||
At present, there are two tanker [[aircraft]] ([[Boeing KC-135E|KC135-E]] and KA6-D) and three receiving aircraft (A4F, Lightning and [[Northrop T-38|T38]]) capable of in-air refuelling. When flying one of these aircraft in the default scenery area, one can locate the tanker aircraft using air-air TACAN and/or radar and then receive a full or partial load of fuel by flying in close formation behind the tanker. Refuelling is also possible between aircraft in a MultiPlayer session. The KC135 is a boom refueller, while the KA6 has a hose. The A4F and Lightning are both fitted with a probe for hose refuelling while the T38 is fitted with a boom receiver. At the moment, either type can refuel from any tanker, but in the future it is likely that the correct type will have to be used. | |||
At present, there are two tanker aircraft (KC135-E and KA6-D) and three receiving aircraft (A4F, Lightning and [[Northrop T-38|T38]]) capable of in-air refuelling. When flying one of these aircraft in the default scenery area, one can locate the tanker aircraft using air-air TACAN and/or radar and then receive a full or partial load of fuel by flying in close formation behind the tanker. Refuelling is also possible between aircraft in a MultiPlayer session. The KC135 is a boom refueller, while the KA6 has a hose. The A4F and Lightning are both fitted with a probe for hose refuelling while the T38 is fitted with a boom receiver. At the moment, either type can refuel from any tanker, but in the future it is likely that the correct type will have to be used. | |||
== Necessary preparations == | == Necessary preparations == | ||
Like the aircraft carriers, AAR is implemented as an "AI scenario". Selecting these normally requires editing the "preferences.xml" file in the flightgear data directory. | Like the aircraft carriers, AAR is implemented as an "AI scenario". Selecting these normally requires editing the "preferences.xml" file in the flightgear data directory. | ||
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== In the cockpit == | == In the cockpit == | ||
Perhaps the first thing to do after starting the engines if necessary is to select the appropriate TACAN channel if your aircraft is so equipped (the A4F and Lightning both are). For the KC135 (by default used by the Lightning and T38) this is currently "040X", and for the KA6D (used by the A4F) it is "050X". Enter this channel using the relevant dropdown boxes in the "radios" dialogue (from the menus, "equipment/radios" or press control-r). | Perhaps the first thing to do after starting the engines if necessary is to select the appropriate TACAN channel if your aircraft is so equipped (the A4F and Lightning both are). For the KC135 (by default used by the Lightning and T38) this is currently "040X", and for the KA6D (used by the A4F) it is "050X". Enter this channel using the relevant dropdown boxes in the "radios" dialogue (from the menus, "equipment/radios" or press control-r). | ||
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== In the Air == | == In the Air == | ||
Turn to an appropriate heading, guided by the TACAN bearing (you should try a "leading" approach to close in on the tanker) and look for the tanker on the radar or nav. screen. Around 5nm away, you should reduce your speed to around 20kts faster than the tanker (these fly at 280 kts TAS) - a "slow overtake". The KC135 will be visible from about 10nm, the KA6-D, being smaller, just over 1 nm. You should use airbrakes as necessary to keep control of your speed should you find yourself overshooting. | Turn to an appropriate heading, guided by the TACAN bearing (you should try a "leading" approach to close in on the tanker) and look for the tanker on the radar or nav. screen. Around 5nm away, you should reduce your speed to around 20kts faster than the tanker (these fly at 280 kts TAS) - a "slow overtake". The KC135 will be visible from about 10nm, the KA6-D, being smaller, just over 1 nm. You should use airbrakes as necessary to keep control of your speed should you find yourself overshooting. | ||
[[Image:KC-135E.jpg|thumb|270px|The KC-135E aircraft with the boom.]] | |||
Close to within 50ft of the tanker (don't get too close, or visual artifacts might hide the boom from view). You should see indication in the cockpit that you are receiving fuel - there is a green light in the A4 fuel gauge, and you should see the indicated tank load increase. | Close to within 50ft of the tanker (don't get too close, or visual artifacts might hide the boom from view). You should see indication in the cockpit that you are receiving fuel - there is a green light in the A4 fuel gauge, and you should see the indicated tank load increase. | ||