Modern aerial tanker and its aerial refueling technology have become an important measure to improve the mobility and strike capability of aviation, which has been highly valued by all countries in the world.
An aerial tanker is an airplane that refuels airplanes and helicopters in flight. Most of them are converted from large transport planes or strategic bombers. There are also ship-borne aerial tankers and stealth tankers. Its function can make the receiver extend the voyage, prolong the endurance and increase the payload, thus improving the combat capability of aviation.
The refueling equipment of aerial tanker is mostly installed at the tail of the fuselage, and a few are installed in the engine room under the wing, which is controlled by the pilot or oiler. There are two kinds of refueling equipment: plug cone sleeve type and telescopic tube type.
As early as the mid-1930s, aerial refueling technology was first used in transatlantic commercial aviation flight by Sir John cobham of Britain.
After World War II, aerial refueling became more and more popular in the army. During the cold war, aerial refueling has become the main guarantee of nuclear deterrence. Since then, aerial refueling has been used by almost all major countries as the main means to deploy bombers, transport planes and fighters to distant areas. Because aerial refueling technology is very important for expeditionary mobile operations, at present, 3 1 countries in the world have been equipped with aerial tankers.
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The role of aerial refueling
1, increasing the range and operational radius of the aircraft.
In order to increase the range of the aircraft, besides improving the performance of the aircraft and the engine, the fuel quantity on the aircraft can only be increased, and the weight and flight performance of the aircraft are a pair of contradictions that have long plagued the aircraft design. Using aerial refueling can reasonably solve this contradiction.
Under normal circumstances, the operational radius of bombers can be increased by 25%-30%, fighters can be increased by 30%-40%, and the range of transport aircraft can be doubled. If aerial refueling is carried out many times, the operational radius and range can be increased to the maximum range of oxygen storage on board and pilot's physical strength. Increasing the range can also enable combat aircraft to move quickly over long distances and carry out surprise attacks or strategic deployment.
Helicopters generally have a short range, and aerial refueling can enable them to complete offshore operations, emergency rescue or other special tasks.
2. Increase the air time of the plane.
Increasing the air time of aircraft is of special significance to early warning aircraft and patrol aircraft. In modern warfare, in order to gain air superiority, it is necessary to maintain uninterrupted patrols or air vigilance in the war zone. Using aerial refueling can increase endurance and greatly reduce the number of sorties.
For carrier-based aircraft, when there is an emergency when the ship surface can't land, the returning aircraft can refuel in the air, so it can be reserved or transferred to the alternate field.
3. Increase the payload of airborne equipment or aircraft.
When the take-off weight of the aircraft is limited, it can reduce the oil load, load more weapons, ammunition or special equipment, and refuel in the air after take-off to complete the follow-up combat mission.
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