F-35 Refueling in AIR with Pilot Commentary

[@sethadkins546]

"You're teasing it!" -Jester

[@Vanpotheosis]

I think this might actually be more difficult for us in the f14 sim. 😂

[@PotatoeJoe69]

You know how some cars have that parking feature where you activate it, and the car perfectly parallel parks itself? The F-35 has that, but for refueling. To be honest, I made that up - but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that's actually a fact lol

[@Capt_JD]

💀

[@rhysgoodman7628]

@@Vanpotheosis most certainly is. You can’t feel the aircraft moving in DCS, and you’re looking at a 2D screen with no depth perception.

[@jameskay214]

​@@PotatoeJoe69 lol I have seen three F-35s up close and worked on a dozen of these KC-135R aircraft while in the air force, honestly the 135 refuel tankers only thing i worked on in the service lol. I don't know about the f-35s and that feature u mentioned, although it's unlikely to have, it is still a good idea. I'll tell you the KC-135R aircraft were built 50-60 years ago and do not have that technology, at least as of 2017 when I left they didn't. But the KC135R aircraft are slowly being replaced by the KC-46 aircraft and that's been in the works for at least 5-6 years so there'd be no point.

[@Roocat4]

I can’t be the only one who thought they were at the edge of space 😂

[@elmoclips6589]

I don’t see how you thought that

[@Mitchell4131]

​@@elmoclips6589 you must have never seen footage from the edge of space

[@elmoclips6589]

@@Mitchell4131 no I definitely have but that doesn’t look like it to me lol

[@FoxbyPlays]

​@@Mitchell4131 the dark underside of the plane looked like the blackness of space, and due to the wide angle lens the image displays curvature. I thought it was space for a moment too

[@Mitchell4131]

@@FoxbyPlays I know I was referring to the guy that said he doesn't see it

[@ravenmiller6376]

I can't imagine how difficult it is irl. And I'm struggling in the F16 in dcs world

[@dondelchulia3189]

Probably easier. Can feel what the planes doing better and better depth perception

[@vasaaviarion]

​@@dondelchulia3189 yeah you have better situational awareness irl

[@heyviper1238]

It's hard man, can't get it in the A10.

[@luccavanopdorp9755]

Irl you can feel the plane, and of course they are trained to do this for years

[@misterxrd]

It’s slightly easier, believe it or not

[@kevinmonahan2820]

And that, kids, is how f-22's are made

[@twveach]

CLASSIC!!!!

[@tomatimahl]

But f22 is older than the 35.....

[@jonnymoka]

So is my uncle

[@anubis20049999]

That's how the F-35 was made by a F-22

[@Mister_Pilot]

Stop

[@Legatus_Invictus]

I had the privilege of being next to the boom operator in a KC-135 while refueling an F-15 a few years ago when I was a Civil Air Patrol cadet. It was absolutely amazing.

[@101perspective]

Yeah, the fighter aircraft are a lot cooler to watch during refueling. I went on about a dozen KC-135 refueling missions back in the 80s. Usually they refueled B-52s... but occasionally a fighter aircraft. The fighter aircraft were wild though since they would fly in so fast compared to the larger aircraft.

[@n085fs]

@@101perspective I honestly would not be surprised if it takes 1.8 KC-135s to fill 1 B-52. I would be extremely surprised if 1 KC-135 could fill more than 1 B-52.

[@101perspective]

@@n085fs Yeah, the B-52 is a beast. Pretty sure it holds slightly double what a kc-135 can transfer.

[@phillipanders1129]

I just want to thank those people that can do this,, for doing this. America should be proud that we have pilots that can fly this aircraft.

[@mariusfrost640]

I still can't figure out how you guys manage that sort of control. Amazing.

[@ahsayamisaya7844]

Practice, then some more practice. When they're done practicing they can finally practice some more.

[@KnuckleDragginDad]

Some of my remaining photos from Operation Praying Mantis and Desert Shield/Storm are of refueling operations over both the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean. On several of these flights I was merely a passenger getting a ride back to my duty station in Southern Spain and was invited to watch this take place. What an awesome job all these men and women do for our country. From the pilots to the Aircrew. Such professionalism and dedication on display always. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve my country and make it back home alive so that I could be a here today to enjoy time with my wife and children. Thank you America!!!! ✌🏽🇺🇸🙏

[@paulmurphy2846]

Thank you for your service!!! 🇺🇸

[@jameskay214]

So awesome to be able to see this actually being done in real time I'm sure that was cool asf huh. I worked on those KC-135R tankers for a few years while at Grissom (2015-2017) and while yes I had mostly a good time and was grateful to have learned a lot from those professionals, being able to witness this would have been so awesome, as simple yet as precise as it is. But I worked mostly in the inspection hangar, and was not a DCC to an aircraft so I never got to fly in one thank God, (i don't like leaving the ground, hence the aircraft mechanic career option vs the pilot career option, if eligible. I did go out on the flightline one winter to help/gain experience with the alert jets and helping those crews, went out there numerous other times and worked with every DCC there at the time, worked on all 12 or 16 135s they have/had? Two aircraft fleets of 6 or 8 a piece of those 135s still being used today just waiting for the kc-46 series to arrive. Pretty sure there's 16, two squads of 8. But it's been almost 6 years since I left could be wrong. And you usually always have one or two of those non alert jets deployed. Anyway shout out to Achenbach on #3510 I believe it was, if both of you are still there and with one another then dang I'm sorry to see you still slaving your lives away. Don't re-enlist, enjoy yourself and try to get her sent to the bone yard if she isn't already. Keep ya head up buddy and take care yourself.

[@jameskay214]

@@paulmurphy2846 damn buddy I got carried away in a past life lol. Only reason I started that reply is because i was going to say thank you for your service as well my brother, and about making it home alive to be with your family. I never saw combat never deployed anywhere but I'll tell you what you ain't gotta go to war to fully understand and agree with that feeling/statement. Although it may be a slightly different but somehow similar feeling to the combat part.

[@petemarchi5112]

I’m curious, did you meet H. Rempe?

[@KnuckleDragginDad]

@@petemarchi5112 Peter, I very well could have but to be quite honest my memory isn’t what it once was. Was H. Rempe attached to a U.S. Navy squadron in Spain? I was stationed there from 1988-1991 give or take a few months here and there. I do remember some senior chiefs a CWO, LT and LCDR. ✌🏽

[@lexx5313]

The level of skill it takes to do this, and these service men/women do this routinely! 👏

[@Tigerheart01]

Damn straight, they're awesome.

[@yourfriendlyneighbourhoodo436]

The f-35 is such a beautiful fighter jet

[@legofighterjets541]

Yes I agree

[@El...Presidente]

I used to hate it cus it’s kinda chubby but now I love it’s looks.

[@LuckyCrixon]

F 16 looks way better

[@derHallen_Ch.]

​@@LuckyCrixon I too like the little compartment under the cockpit, the little hiddy hole rest area. Place is so spacious that my friend is still lost in it after engines were accidentally fired up!

[@eybrr8928]

i prefer f22s and su57s tbh

[@hunterhalo2]

As a Edwards test boom, decent work man. 👌

[@HasardLee]

Thanks for all the work you guys do

[@n085fs]

Wait a sec... do you test booms? So one could technically say you test how the boom handles? So one could say you're a "boom how-er"?

[@Marc_donkey]

Nothing but respect for both pilots and crew Thank you , to all that serve for our country .

[@mightyhorsey]

Really honest no BS commentary 👍🏼

[@coyle77]

I'm a proud Boom Operator on a KC-135R, and it was the best job for an enlisted airman. Being a flight crew member is an amazing experience

[@ztmolickatyler8719]

I was deployed with a lot of Arizona guys as a maintainer. Some of the best dudes I’ve met

[@stevepadilla9729]

You may think that wasn’t a clean attachment, but I think it was So Very Cool to see. Its a blessing to feel safe in America with every Step our Military Women & Men take to train and be ready to defend our Freedom. My heart to you all’s, Thank You for doing what you do.

[@USAlivewithGOD]

Thank you for your service gentlemen.

[@michaelniece4867]

These pilots are absolutely amazing!!

[@tonymonxana992]

This is so cool! Must be difficult at first. Such a beautiful fighter jet🇺🇸

[@shtrdVo1cano]

9 months later, the F-35 whelped a litter of seven T-38s.

[@AirLynAirlines]

O gosh

[@TheFrenchPug]

I struggled to do this on a flight simulator program I had. Was the hardest thing to do.

[@mwara2444]

Digitally controlling a throttle is hard AF , got to be harder than having real control irl

[@tooitchy]

​@@mwara2444 never flown, but my step brother flew sims in his bedroom since middle school, and now flies international for Delta airlines, and he's told me many times there's a LOT that is harder in sim, throttle being a big one, nothing beats the analog feedback on throttle up/down

[@cujbaion1]

The tanker can imitate the small wing in order to float more or less like the 35, and others on floaty wing settings during refuelling

[@adamcfox7900]

God bless you guys and thank you for your service.

[@swede5209]

The good ones make it look easy!

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

God bless all our military personnel

[@dylanisthename]

I'm an HC130J load, and to our big ass KC135 is our best option. The KC10 has too much wake from that top engine sometimes for us to push through it. We also only refuel at 200

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

Could probably automate both sides, ie sensors on the boom and plane track each other, measure distance and 3d speed, accel in real time, adjusting boom flight surfaces and lateral position to match plane intake. Operator take over anytime of course

[@ztoob8898]

I have a friend who used to drive the KC-135. He says he'd go back in a hot minute if the USAF would have him.

[@darrenlord2468]

Awesome thanks for the run down !

[@dannypierce9528]

I hope that we are really ahead of our enemies in defense and offense

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Amazing technology operated by amazing people 👍✊

[@davidreed3357]

That's a beautiful shot of the earth's curvature.

[@shanestark495]

Lovely insertion

[@johnman8647]

Big set on everyone involved. Yep, you as well ladies, brave a.f.

[@robertwilkins8357]

Such a great thing to see!

[@danielminter9398]

thank you for your amazing service.. God bless your family and nerv... USA

[@ricardoarrieta5762]

As a fx Thunder mad f14 T pilot sometimes turbulence would take a bit of time but when In need with a few hundred gallons left has to be done. When backing, a few hundred miles away from the argument with gaddafi my twin brothers were in a scramble with with mig 29 which were downed. We came up minutes later . But needed the fuel just in case for engagement the other 3 were no where to be seen. Out of 5 two blipes were off radarscope. Then so we're the other 3. Too bad.

[@HoundDogMech]

Love to see a video on the Use of said Director Lights on Refueling Tankers

[@michaelmoran2125]

It's crazy seeing the pilot

[@ANDREWISNTSOGOODER]

My uncle used to be in charge off all aerial refueling operations for the USAF

[@thorinth3079]

Refueling in a turn. Nice

[@KM-qx6nh]

Real life folks. Thanks for being there guys/gals !

[@gimme3steps933]

I was wondering if there’s any programs running in unison on both aircraft for alignment of the aircraft or alignment of the hose….or if it’s 100% operators. It’s amazing!

[@chavenger]

I make some engine components for your jet. We work hard for people like you. Cheers man!

[@chavenger]

@MAXIMUMF ok then.... look at you winning the internet today. Thanks for taking your time to respond. It was very necessary

[@kolbyhtx7136]

Beautiful!

[@genx-nostalgix3119]

Makes you wonder if the boom operator lights up a cigarette after this encounter. GIGITY GIGITY

[@snapdragon6601]

QUAGMIRE! 😆

[@indyhotdog7652]

You win the internet today M8

[@MonsterAddict22]

Respect to the first inventors who had to test this

[@ero1456]

Looks like this is in space

[@NoalFarstrider]

That's the refueling plane.

[@mcahill135]

The refueling plane is +60 years old.

[@orlandoengland9184]

Great job Sir!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😃👌🏾👍🏾👊🏾

[@orlandoengland9184]

@MAXIMUMF You're quite welcome Sir!👌🏾👍🏾💪🏾💛

[@michaelenglish839]

I remember doing this on Top Gun for the NES

[@joeclay9745]

Wow. I used to occasionally see f35 at work. Not seen a refuel. Fascinating. There lightning 2. That's there name we call em😁

[@asgnecco]

The director lights aren't on until you make contact? Is that true for all jets or just the F-35? Do you just get into position by memory then?

[@HasardLee]

correct, primarily by visual reference until you're contact

[@loganberry7209]

The boom operator manually controls the director lights prior to contact. Mostly just the forward light until the last couple feet when they flash the light meaning you're almost there. Then during contact the lights follow the boom position. But yeah, during the closure most receivers aren't looking at the lights too much, they are trying to "put the thing on the thing" lining up visual references.

[@GenXer68]

Amazing talent

[@TamagoHead]

I’d like to see an RFP where the boom has mechanisms adjust to positional requirements with a human override. Props to our aviators & support staff!

[@REEFBANDIT56]

That F-35 pilot needs an oscar...

[@Dangerclose1]

I used to be a KC-135 boom…I miss the flying and TDYs.

[@einarabelc5]

Ward Carol has a so by step guide on how to make it easier

[@donk5058]

Is their anything helping you line up the hose and your opening in the cockpit or is it just based off feel and your eyes?

[@dannyd7714]

Learned to plug the Tomcat in DCS, and it's probably the hardest thing I had to learn. Night carrier traps are easier (in DCS)

[@elgoog7830]

Do they mid-flight refuel at night?

[@CramcrumBrewbringer]

Heading to UPT soon, I really hope I drop the F-35 when the dust settles!

[@mkvv5687]

Good luck!

[@Overworkedandunderpaid]

That seems like it would be a blast.

[@Mrmichaelp970]

My Father used to work on those Kc135 at Travis AFB

[@Phildo8]

Hey Hasard, would love to see a video on the F-35 helmet you wear as well as a basic rundown on the optics system. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be flying and be able to look below, above, side to side & behind without seeing the aircraft and obstructing your vision.

[@tr7b410]

American ingenuity on display.

[@DrDork80]

Ik there’s probably stuff you can’t say but have you flown other aircraft and if so do you like flying the f35 better or one of your previous aircraft?

[@ghostarashide227]

I wiggle around in DCS as much as you did :D But gotta love that OP POV

[@sw2934]

Must be amazing to see that from your POV

[@notaulgoodman9732]

No, the Chinese would see the super secret lazer beam button.

[@MrShortStuff]

Chinese government would just start photocopying the screen.

[@fazefart1184]

My Grandfather was a boom operator during the bay of pigs and refueled the sr71 and his records are mostly classified

[@Wingman77tws]

The basket seems like such a better method

[@kennethhuff7158]

Nice view, nice aircraft, tks.

[@rakedos9057]

Very nice video! I was wondering, what is the usual altitude for air refueling? Also, is it really common to air refuel in a turn? Don't they do ovals? Would be nice to put it in a compilation in a longer video for better resolution because it's fabulous!

[@niccovisconti1712]

Oh look 👀 the earth is round! Well don't that beat all!

[@alextabner9237]

Unbelievable flying skill, these guys are the best!

[@Commander_Nearsight]

Do you guys fly a holding pattern when refueling or does it just depend on the situation?

[@frankgeorgeo8582]

Soo incredible !!

[@indigenousserpant7779]

That was beautiful sir, Ty for sharing

[@Shanesaw69]

So when the boom and aircraft connect..does the nozzle lock so the boom can slide in and out?

[@rishikundu6657]

They are literally I think out of atmosphere

[@BLACKMONGOOSE13]

I work right across the ramp from F-35’s. You’re welcome from Fort Worth.

[@erfanshams217]

Woooow . unbelievable 😮.

[@207fullsenders2]

Dude I would love to do this my cousin does it and loves it!

[@winstonscates4387]

I had the thrill of flying in a KC135 while in the 101st airborne band in 1975. We flew from Ft Campbell to Pittsburgh. They let me in the cockpit and at the boom control. (They didn’t let me operate the boom)

[@ninjaraptor0612]

Took me a few seconds to realise that this isn't at the egde of space and close to the ground, because the balck part belongs to the tanker. And before you say how dumb I am, ik. The F-35's service ceilinge isn't even close to that altitude, but the visuals overwrote my knowledge. I'm sure I'm not the only one here

[@matthewdaub]

Is back in black required to be playing whenever you do anything related to a fighter jet?

[@troybeck9232]

Easy fill up. Cool

[@dcstrng1]

Hard to believe that this ever becomes "routine..." Impressive...

[@simsimhaeyu]

I used to inspect after the AR I prayed for no nick and primer colors in AR covers LO team will handle it but I have to supervise them... for close the covers

[@billsmafia5906]

One of the coolest jobs. Boom operator.

[@Bga1412]

David Attenborogh voice - "The female maneuvers to meet the outstretched boom of the male. So that sustenance can be transferred. And she can have enough energy to drop her clutch of freedom eggs. On unsuspecting adversaries below. Thus ensuring the species will continue to survive another year."

[@soccerguy2433]

Yeah good job stabilizing at precontact with zero closure

[@benoitcorbeil618]

Coït completed 😵‍💫

[@yuriimiasnikov6204]

Wow, amazing! Curious: is it possible to automatically connect for refuel 2 planes with help of AI?

[@legofighterjets541]

This is awesome

[@davidgregory6129]

In a turn too. So cool sir. Mega awesome 😎

[@patraciamaye4178]

I saw them do that in the movie “Air Force One”

[@JuanBrolo]

This is so cool

[@Uravrgplyr]

Man the f35 is so cool

[@pfsantos007]

Starts a turn at the worst time. Just my luck lol!

[@57appel]

My USAF group used these vehicles and I was the only woman they let on for flights because they knew I wouldn't bug them. Flew thousands of hours on my belly next to the Boom Operator.

[@presidentevil4zombie]

Hell yeah I’m goin to PIQ for the 135 in a couple of weeks