MID AIR REFUELING

About:

• Mid Air refuelling is also known as in-flight refuelling (IFR), air-to-air refuelling (AAR), and tanking.
  
  
• It is the process of transferring aviation fuel from one military aircraft (the tanker) to another (the receiver) during flight.
  
  
• The two main refuelling methods are:
  
  

• Benefits:
  • Because the receiver aircraft can be topped up with extra fuel in the air, air refuelling can allow a take-off with a greater payload.
    
    
  • The procedure allows the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer.
    
    
  • By reducing the number of aircraft needed to maintain a combat air patrol (CAP), it reduces the number of maintenance personnel needed.
    
    
  
  
  
• Global scenario: Since the Vietnam War, it has been extensively used in large-scale military operations for many different military aircraft operations.
  
  

Recent development:

• The IL-78 MKI tanker was launched from its base in Agra while the specially modified fighter aircraft LCA Tejas MK 1 was launched from Gwalior.
  
  
• The specially modified Tejas aircraft carried out a series of test profiles including a ‘Dry Contact' with the tanker.
  
  
• Significance: The ability to carry out Air-to-Air Refuelling is one of the critical requirements for the LCA to achieve 'Final Operational Clearance'.