Foreign Aerial Tanker Refueling Scrapbook

Royal Air Force Jaguars refueling in-flight. 

Story by Ken Kula, photos by Del Laughery, Ken Middleton, Scott Zeno and Ken Kula

British and American military air arms developed methods to refuel aircraft in mid-flight before World War II. Beginning with piston-engined aircraft, the jet age forced tankers to increase their speed, and fuel offload amounts to feed thirsty early jet engines. Thus, turboprop and turbojet aircraft were designed and adapted. 

RAF Victor K.2 tanker.

The Royal Air Force invested heavily in the hose and drogue method of refueling, as did the U.S. Navy and Marines. The RAF utilized retired nuclear bombers, named the Valiant and Victor, and ultimately the VC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 transports as their main tanker aircraft. 

The U.S. Air Force adapted their aircraft to use the Boeing boom design on their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft but fitted both boom and hose and drogue onto their KC-10 Extender. Many non-U.S. air forces utilized the Boeing B-707 airframe, as well as KC-135s for their refueling needs… many times hose and drogue pods were fitted on the outboard portions of wings to allow for a dual-point refueling capability. Other air arms have chosen Airbus-derived aircraft, beginning with the A-310 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport), and A-330 passenger jet conversions.

Here are almost two dozen aircraft types that were or are still in service with countries around the world. You can hover over the thumbnail for an ID, or click for an enlargemed photo. Enjoy!