Air-to-Air Refueling

Photos feature multiple aircraft in mid-air refueling operations, demonstrating essential aerial logistics and support for military missions.

July 24, 2009 - A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft moves into refueling position over the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag 09-4.

DF-ST-88-10121. Country: Unknown

July 24, 2009 - A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft moves into refueling position over the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag 09-4.

030409-F-1631A-027. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Sarafovo, Burgas State: Bourgas Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

An air-to-air view, as seen from the boom section of a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft, of an A-7D Corsair II aircraft as it approaches for refueling. Country: Unknown

A KC-10A Extender aircraft drops back after completing an in-flight refueling with another Extender aircraft during a training flight out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Air to air side view of Air Mobility Command's 62nd Military Airlift Wing's C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter flying in formation during a training mission out of McChord, AFB, Washington. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron carries our aerial operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility April 23, 2022. The 335th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III approaches a K-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing, during a refueling mission on a multi-day readiness exercise, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 12-17, 2022. The exercise focused on demonstrating the Department of the Air Forces priority of Agile Combat Employment (ACE), which uses multi-capable Airmen to facilitate a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver to increase resiliency and survivability while generating combat power.

040102-F-9629J-003. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force F-16's from the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing Detachment 1, and U.S. Air Force F-15's from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing form up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing during North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 29, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadi

An F-16 Fighting Falcon a part of the Viper Demonstration Team from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, lines up with a KC-135 Stratotanker to receive fuel Sept. 29, 2022. An F-16 holds 450 gallons, or about 3,060 pounds of fuel.

A view from the boom operator's position of a B-1 aircraft, in its new camouflaged paint scheme, being refueled by a KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020427-F-0193C-008. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 02 Country: Unknown

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (Sept. 24, 2019) U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington refuel from an U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing based at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington during Exercise Mobility Guardian 2019, Sept. 24, 2019. Exercise Mobility Guardian is Air Mobility Command's premier, large scale mobility exercise. Through robust and relevant training, Mobility Guardian improves the readiness and capabilities of Mobility Airmen to deliver rapid global mobility and builds a more lethal and ready Air Force.

A B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies over the Pacific Ocean during a Bomber Task Force mission, June 20, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A B-52G Stratofortress aircraft flies over the Red Sea as it awaits refueling during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the Idaho National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, flys away from a gunnery target during the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, south of Mountain Home, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022. The pilot had just completed a strafing run with the GAU-8 Avenger cannon. .

020930-F-4649H-025. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Air to air side view of Air Mobility Command's 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB, Washington C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter flying over Washington state. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Aerial view of an A-10 Thunderbolt in flight

DF-ST-89-03666. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility Sep. 6, 2022. AFCENT forces remain postured to uphold whole of government diplomacy efforts to promote security and regional stability in the Middle East.

Air-to-air, side view of a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10A Extender from March AFB, California preparing to refuel a 60th Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter over the High Sierra mountains in northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, fly behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall during a training mission over the North Sea, July 21, 2022. The Commando II flies a variety of low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and aircraft, while also supporting infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a flight across the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 18, 2023. Air refueling allows Bomber Task Force units to operate in any region, including Europe, to train with our NATO allies and partners.

DF-ST-89-04703. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR 88 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft assigned to the 116th Air Control Wing, takes-off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 5, 2022. The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, is an airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform.

980622-F-7924J-017. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard over New Jersey April 2, 2014. Air Force ROTC cadets with St. Joseph's University observed as part of an orientation flight program.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 14, 2022. The A-10 is assigned to the A-10 Demonstration Team, which is a single-ship demonstration team that travels across the United States, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10 and the U.S. Air Force.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies above the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 3, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th AW conducted off-station training in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

An air-to-air left front view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft maneuvering during a demonstration tour of air bases in Korea to familiarize Korean and American field commanders with its capabilities. Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An air-to-air left side view of a 437th Military Airlift Wing C-141B Starlifter aircraft during exercise Shadow Hawk '87, a phase of Bright Star '87. The U.S. Central Command exercise represents a Joint Chiefs of STAFF effort to evaluate procedures used t. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWK '87BRIGHT STAR '87 Country: Jordan (JOR)

B52 Bomber flyover at airpower airshow in Austria 2022

A B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida, over the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. The air operations between 12th Air Force and Air Mobility Command were part of a Partner Interoperability Training exercise with Panama and Ecuador to grow capacity, enhance the ability to respond to illegal fishing practices and maintain shared interest in regional security. Multilateral engagements such as this one ensures maximum resource efficiency and enable the consistent training between U.S. Southern Command, component command and partner nations.

A B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida, to receive fuel over the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. The air operations between 12th Air Force and Air Mobility Command were part of a Partner Interoperability Training exercise with Panama and Ecuador to grow capacity, enhance the ability to respond to illegal fishing practices and maintain shared interest in regional security. Multilateral engagements such as this one ensures maximum resource efficiency and enable the consistent training between U.S. Southern Command, component command and partner nations.

Air to air side, backlighted, view of Air Mobility Command's 62nd Military Airlift Wing's C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter flying in formation during a training mission out of McChord, AFB, Washington. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A 79th Air Refueling Squadron (79th AREFS) KC-10A Extender aircraft prepares to refuel a 7th Airlift Squadron (7th AS) C-141B Starlifter aircraft as a 75th Airlift Squadron (75th AS) C-5B Galaxy aircraft stands by for refueling. The three planes are flying above the clouds over northern California. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-99-04945. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Egypt (EGY)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II of the U.S. Air Force.

051116-N-7293M-125. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A fourship of U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons prepare to return to their Baltic Operations Exercise mission after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker June 13, 2014, over Germany. The BALTOPS Exercise provides the opportunity for personnel of participating nations to engage in realistic training to build experience, teamwork and strengthen interoperability while working toward mutual goals.

DF-ST-85-13199. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft as it is positioned under the boom of a KC-10A Extender aircraft for refueling during the joint Australia/New Zealand/US Exercise PITCH BLACK '84. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK '84 Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, May 10, 2022. One of the few enlisted crew positions who fly an aerodynamic surface, boom operators receive extensive training and are experts in flying the specialized boom to refuel multiple types of aircraft.

A Hellenic air force aircraft flies in formation with U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Exercise Stolen Cerberus IX over Athens, Greece, May 11, 2022. The bilateral training included low-level defensive flying maneuvers, cargo air-drops, combat offloads for cargo pallets, attempted mid-flight interception simulations and emergency medical evacuations.

A Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) F-14A Tomcat aircraft connects with the refueling drogue of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during aerial refueling operations over the Persian Gulf. The aircraft are in the region in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

After a successful refueling the F/A-18C Hornet from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-251 (VMFA-251), Beaufort, South Carolina, drops back into a post-refueling position. The Hornet is enroute to an early morning bombing mission somewhere in Afghanistan is support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The KC-135R is assigned to the 319th Air Expeditionary Group, deployed to a classified location providing aerial refueling support for the operation. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial operations during an agile combat employment exercise with U.S. Central Command regional partners July 12, 2022. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) led the combined rapid deployment exercise consisting of forward operating location establishment, simulated combat sortie generation, aerial refueling, ground hot-pit refueling as well as command and control procedures. This training demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. airpower assets and maintains interoperability with foreign partners for enhanced security of the region.

Maintenance professionals from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, prepare C-17 Globemaster IIIs for mission operations during exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, October 18, 2022. The Mountain Home Rang Complex terrain and airspace provides 9,600 miles of unique and challenging training opportunities for the Department of Defense.

AC-130H/UPrimary function: Close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Speed: 300 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 132 ft. 7 in.; length 97 ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in. Range: 1,496 mph; unlimited with air refueling. Armament: AC-130H, 20 mm Vulcan cannons,40 mm Bofors cannon and 105 mm Howitzer. AC-130U, 30 mm Bushmaster cannon replacing 25 mm Gatling gun, 40 mm Bofors cannon and 105 mm cannon. Crew: AC-130H, 14, and AC-130U, 13.

A U.S. Air Force 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a flight over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 19, 2022. U.S. forces routinely work together to enhance operational readiness and responses to regional threats while defending Allied and partner nations to further strengthen regional peace and stability.

View from a KC-10 tanker as of a F-117 Nighthawk Stealth fighter is refueled inflight. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, drops a Cluster Bomb Unit on the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Sep 13, 2022. A-10s dropped CBUs to evaluate bomblet dispersion, pattern, and effectiveness against armored targets. In addition to the 422 TES personnel, experts from Operational Weaponeering, 96th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, were at the NTTR to evaluate battle damage on the targets for potential updates to Weaponeering models and software.

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, conducts aerial operations during a U.S. Presidential support mission within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility July 15, 2022. AFCENT forces remain postured to uphold whole of government diplomacy efforts to promote security and regional stability in the Middle East.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, prepares for aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, also of the 127th Wing, on July 27, 2022. The unit employed a week-long increase in flying July 25-29, 2022, that was designed to bring full-time and drill-status guardsmen together for maximum refueling training exposure in a short amount of time.

An HC-130 Hercules aircraft from the 353rd Special Operations Group, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels from an Alaska Air National Guard KC-135R stratotanker from the 168th Air Refueling Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during Exercise COBRA GOLD '96. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '96 Country: Unknown

A 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130E Hercules aircraft makes a grass strip landing at Drop Zone Juliet near Aviano Air Base during an evening training mission. Country: Italy (ITA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, September, 9, 2022. This was the Thunderbirds second performance in Canada for the 2022 season.

Aircrew members from the 919th Special Operations Wing watch their aircraft, the MC-130E Combat Talon I, April 15, 2013 during its final flight before retirement. The last five Talons in the Air Force belong to the 919th SOW. They will make one final flight to the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., by mid-May.

041202-F-9126G-039. Base: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-16C Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama, are refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama, Aug. 17, 2022. Photo was taken with the Red Tails and the 100th anniversary commemorative tail for the 117th Air Refueling Wing.

An OA-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron approaches the refueling boom of a 310th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a Pacific Tanker Task Force refueling mission. Country: South Korea

B-52 aircraft from the 596th Bombardment Squadron is refueled in flight during exercise Proud Shield '88. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD SHIELD '88 Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 79th Air Refueling Squadron (79th AREFS) KC-10A Extender aircraft flies over farmland near Travis Air Force Base. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of a B-1B bomber during an acceptance flight being conducted by Detachment 15 of the Air Force Contract Management Division. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-03667. Country: Unknown

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, execute formation maneuvers after refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, March 4, 2015, during Exercise Iron Hand over southern France. Through forward presence and ready forces, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa executes missions in support of regional and global operations to provide global vigilance, global reach and global power for national objectives across an area spanning 104 countries.

A rear silhouetted view of F-104G Starfighter aircraft parked on the flight line at sunset. The aircraft are being used by the 69th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron to train German pilots. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, during a weapons evaluation mission Sept. 15, 2022. The A-10 Thunderbolt II offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform.

980623-F-6655M-005. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050502-F-3961R-007. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2023) A KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, and a CMV-22B Osprey, assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, perform a mid-flight refueling. VRM 30, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9, is currently based out of Naval Air Station North Island in support of routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220914-N-XN177-1222 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 14, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flies over the Atlantic Ocean before refueling from a KC-135 assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, July 31, 2012. The B-1B Lancer is a multi-mission bomber, capable of carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory.

DN-ST-88-00215. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

A C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratonker perform an air refueling demonstration during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 gave the Inland Northwest a chance to meet members of Team Fairchild and see the U.S. Air Force's premier air refueling wing in action during a simulated KC-135 Stratotanker low-pass refuel of a C-17 Globemaster III.

A C-130 Hercules, from the Nevada National Guards 152nd Air Wing, flies over Pyramid Lake, Nev., as part of an open house for local clergy. The 152nd AW is stationed at Reno, Nev.

060326-F-2907C-065. Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

A close up view from inside the Boom Operators position of a KC-10 Extender aircraft as an USAF B-2 Spirit Bomber from 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO approaching for refueling.. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two A-10A Thunderbolt aircraft from the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing fly toward their target area during the joint readiness exercise Arctic Warrior '91. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC WARRIOR '91 Country: United States Of America(USA)

A side view of a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling an F-14 Tomcat from VF-31, Miramar Naval Air Station, CA. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS 95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

September 22, 2008 - The refueling boom from a KC-135 Stratotanker arches over an F-15 Eagle as it refuels the aircraft over eastern Florida. An F-22 Raptor and another F-15 Eagle from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, are part of the training mission with the Mississippi Air National Guard.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, flies over Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 15, 2022. Two bombers participated in a training exercise with multi-nation assets assigned to Luke AFB, meant to familiarize pilots with different airframe operations.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lighting II from the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a find, fix, track and target exercise over Poland Feb. 15, 2024. The successful execution of this exercise demonstrates the close cooperation between U.S. and allied forces, builds on previous efforts to enhance NATO interoperability, and furthers shared commitment to global security and stability. Air Force

Air to air view of Air Mobility Wing's 60th Airlift Wing C-5 Galaxy flying over the high Sierra Mountains of northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-92-07978. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-89-04708. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR 88 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041008-F-3188G-352. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Unknown

The single-seat F-16XL, NASA 849, joins up with an SR-71A, NASA 844, as crews set up for one of the flights in the recent sonic boom research program conducted by the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.During the missions, the F-16XL probed the shockwaves generated by the SR-71, while at lower altitudes sensors on an F-18 and on a YO-3A, and also on the ground, recorded data from the same shockwave.

An air-to-air left side view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft flying in formation with six F-15 Eagle aircraft during Exercise William Tell. The KC-10A's refueling boom is extended for the refueling of one of the F-15 aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL Country: Unknown

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