A C-5M Super Galaxy Refueled A KC-10 Tanker In First Reverse Flow Air Refueling Test
December 19, 2023 Military AviationDAVID CENCIOTTI
Reverse refueling
A C-5M Super Galaxy approaches the boom of a KC-10 Extender to perform reverse aerial refueling training in an aerial refueling track over Northern California and Oregon, Dec. 12, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Traci Keller)
As part of a Proof of Concept, for the first time, the U.S. Air Force turned a C-5M Super Galaxy into an aerial refueler for a KC-10 tanker.
On Dec. 12, 2023, a C-5M Super Galaxy and a KC-10 Extender conducted a reverse flow air refueling training over Northern California and Oregon, as part of a PoC (Proof of Concept) designed to maintain readiness in emergency situations to prevent loss of a tanker aircraft.
The C-5M offloaded 23,500 pounds of fuel in approximately thirty minutes to the KC-10 during the test. Noteworthy, reverse air refueling is something that both KC-10s and KC-135s have been able to perform for decades. However this was the first time the test assessed the ability to siphon fuel back in to the tanker from the Super Galaxy.
Tanker aircraft are among the most in-demand assets, force multipliers whose presence or lack thereof is crucial to sustain combat missions. In the end, NKAWTG!
https://theaviationist.com/2023/12/19/reverse-flow-air-refueling-test/
