![]() Cory Ferrer, 36th Fighter Squadron commander, in a release.įollowing the completion of the exercise, the six F-16s and around 90 Airmen, including the pilots from the 51st Fighter Wing, returned to Osan from Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore. “ trained with Singaporean F-15s, F-16s, and refueled multiple times with their A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport,” said Lt. The combined forces focused on live flight support operations while covering fighter air-to-air capabilities such as airborne refueling. pilots engaged in combined tactics and dissimilar dogfighting involving practicing combat maneuvers against different aircraft. The KDC-10 is a close relative of the USAF’s largest air refueling aircraft, the KC-10 Extender, both derived from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10.Īlso during Commando Sling, U.S. During the exercise, the aircraft transported more than 40 personnel and cargo on a single flight. The KDC-10 is designed for dual functionality, capable of refueling in flight and transporting cargo or passengers. Metrea Strategic Mobility conducted the first refueling missions in July, while Omega Air Refueling provided the KDC-10 that refueled the F-16s. Navy and Marine Corps have used commercial refuelers for almost two decades, and there are several companies that offer the service. ![]() The advantage of commercial refueling, Holtman said, is that “it frees up our warfighter tanker fleet to be ready to respond for emerging contingency requirements.” “We’re expanding that aperture in PACAF and identified a proof-of-concept employment to refuel fighter aircraft during exercise Commando Sling 23.” PACAF air mobility operations chief Lt. In June, a commercial refueler linked up with E-3 Sentry and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft during during an exercise, the first ever instance for any U.S. The missions mark a milestone for the Air Force, which typically relies on its own tankers to keep its aircraft flying but has started to dip its toe into the commercial refueling world. A PACAF spokesperson later confirmed to Air & Space Forces Magazine that commercial tankers refueled F-15C and F-22 fighters, though they declined to reveal the exact dates and locations.
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