Fighter fuel stop

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Emily Rautenberg
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
An A-10 Thunderbolt II breaks away from a KC-10 Extender after receiving fuel during a local training flight above Maryland Aug. 20. The Air Force Reserve tanker aircrew assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, here, met up with the Air National Guard pilots from the 104th Fighter Squadron for an opportune practice mission. The KC-10's boom operator controls refueling operations through a digital, fly-by wire system. Sitting in the rear of the aircraft, the operator can see the receiver aircraft through a wide window. During boom refueling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons (4,180 liters) per minute. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Emily Rautenberg)