A USAF KC-135 Stratotanker has performed a joint semi-annual aerial refuelling training exercise with 30 Royal Danish Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcons, aimed at strengthening operational readiness and mutual trust between the Nato allies.

The KC-135 Stratotanker, during the eight-hour training mission, offloaded more than 40,000t of fuel and provided training to Danish pilots who regularly fly combat sorties with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

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Allied Air Component Command Headquarters Ramstein spokesman Manfred Reudenbach said a Danish F-16 fighter pilot, who has already received gas from a US KC-135 during air-to-air refuelling, will handle this situation routinely in a real-world environment.

Specialised KC-135s, by using a system that segregates fuel tanks spread throughout the wings and belly of the airframe, can refuel several types of receivers, even those that burn different types of gas.

A multirole fighter aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has nine hardpoints for weapons payloads, one at each wing tip, three under each wing and one on the centreline under the fuselage.

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Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


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