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Reference Points for AAR

Posted: 22 Mar 2019, 16:46
by Flyco
I am still having variable results in tanking with the F18. What reference points to most people use when approaching the KC-135MPRS, and what do you use when maintaining position.

At the moment I am using the alignment of the top of HUD glass plates with the tanker wingtip, but it does seem very variable. I am flying training missions at 215 kias, 250 kias, and 285 kias. I find the 250 and 285 easier with the 215 being a bastard.

Any advice welcome. Or if anyone has a track of the approach to contact I would like to see it.

Re: Reference Points for AAR

Posted: 02 Oct 2021, 17:00
by Smithy

Re: Reference Points for AAR

Posted: 02 Oct 2021, 21:44
by john (scooby)
i have no idea what the good pilots do but i just literally fly the probe straight into the basket with the hornet, its an absolute doddle compared to the tomcat. have you tried it that way alan?

Re: Reference Points for AAR

Posted: 03 Oct 2021, 07:06
by Paul(Dragon)0043
TBH, when I flew the F-18, that's how I used to do AAR, how Scooby described.

Re: Reference Points for AAR

Posted: 03 Oct 2021, 08:58
by Smithy
Until I got VR, then got sensible and got track IR I was constantly flying the basket rather than formating with the probe. I simply put my heading marker on the left hand side of the pod and go from there.

Re: Reference Points for AAR

Posted: 03 Oct 2021, 10:49
by Chris
Focus on the refuelling wing pod keeping it centred in your view and approach slowly at the same height as the basket then match speed holding station a short distance behind. When speed matched, increase by 1-2 knots alternatively switching focus from the pod to the basket to your probe until the thing is in the thing... then maintain focus on the pod... handy DCS tip is once positioned correctly and speed matched then use just ONE throttle for very fine speed control.

YMMV