Refueling Basket (current) dimensions???

[yak52driver]

On one particular road recce mission in '66, took a rice farmer's rifle shot in the snout. Never knew it 'til after coming back aboard! Would have been fairly interesting had I had to tank on the way home, nice little fuel mist streaming into the intake!:hot_125:

*A "Whale" is/was the Douglas K/A-3B SkyWarrior.
BzB

Googled it to find out what the SkyWarrior looked like, thank you, sir.

 

[A4sForever]

What aircraft does Whale refer to? I know it's a B747 in the civilian world, but I'm sure that's not what this refers to in this coversation. Thanks.

You are welcome ...

WHALE ... and WHALE ... CIVIE-STREET or USN ... I have time in both ... and they're both 'da BOMB!!!

 

[jfulginiti]

To answer the original post.... this is the best official answer I could find:

"Probe and Drogue refueling takes unique piloting skills to accomplish. Maneuvering a 4 inch diameter probe into the center of a 2 foot diameter drogue (aluminum coupling and basket with a fabric canopy added for lift/stability)......"

Found it here.

 

[A4sForever]

To answer the original post....

What a bummer ... have you NEVER HEARD of the object of the excercise ... i.e., the Air Warriors thread-jack ????

 

[jfulginiti]

Of course! But he basically told us in #24 that we're useless and I felt kind of bad.

 

[BusyBee604]

Another Tanker Save

A Whale also orbited overhead in case of bolter/weather problems or fuel tank battle damaged A/C returning during day/night recoveries.

Later in '66 took a big hit in the starboard (wet) wing. Drop tanks empty, 3800# in wing vaporized instantly. Left target with only 1600# fuselage tank usable. Met Whale tanker after "feet wet" and plugged in w/700# remaining. Flew 62 miles to RANGER plugged in & sucking. Unplugged on final & trapped w/700#. Plane offloaded in Cubi & returned 2 months later w/new wing (one-piece).
My 3rd hit that cruise was fatal (to the A/C), see avatar. '66 was a vintage year to remember!
BzB, aka flak magnet

 

[scoolbubba]

Damn BzB. Does the brass clanging sound get annoying after a while? You old guys were crazy.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

Of course! But he basically told us in #24 that we're useless and I felt kind of bad.

He never said that, didn't even infer that. His picture and the one Flash posted gave a good size comparison for what he was asking.

I spent a bit of time researching and this is the best image I can find. Is it safe to assume this version is one that could refuel a Super Hornet?

I think this would give you a pretty good idea of the size compared to the F/A-18D, I imagine you could get a good estimate of the size since it is a side view.

 

[jfulginiti]

I know, I was joking.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

Damn that sarcasm stuff! It's tricky without the use of smilies.

 

[Citation3]

My apologies...

Of course! But he basically told us in #24 that we're useless and I felt kind of bad.

I was not infering that any of the information you all were kind enough to post was not useful. I just had a bit more time to track some additional information on my own and was letting you all know I think I resolved my own question and that I was thankful for all your input.

Didn't mean to get anyone here bent.

 

[jfulginiti]

No sweat dude..... I was just kidding and I'm obviously lacking in the smilie department... :icon_rage:icon_rage:icon_wink:icon_wink:sleep_125:sleep_125:tongue2_1

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

No sweat dude..... I was just kidding and I'm obviously lacking in the smilie department... :icon_rage:icon_rage:icon_wink:icon_wink:sleep_125:sleep_125:tongue2_1

Thanks, I needed that. :icon_boun:icon_zbee :icon_tong

+1

 

[Citation3]

Navy slang???

Is there any particular Navy slang used to describe the refueling maneuver? I'll need a name for the dispaly base.

 

[ACowboyinTexas]

We called it "tanking" or "hitting the basket" or "going Texaco". If we're hitting the KC-135 with its rigid basket, we called it the "Iron Maiden", or Dancing with the Iron Maiden, etc.