Folks,
The latest issue of AI/February 2009 states that the first operational aircraft to use a buddy refueling pod was the Douglas Skyraider in the early 1950s. I have searched and searched and can find no other source with this statement or a photo showing it in operation. Anyone have a clue to another source. A photo would be greatly appreciated.
Jack E. Hammond
.
By: jackehammond - 12th February 2009 at 08:09
Folks,
I would like to thank everyone for the replies. A bunch of retired USN pilots I know just could not believe the AI article stating that the Skyraider had been used in the tanker role. Again THANK YOU.
Jack E. Hammond
.
By: pagen01 - 11th February 2009 at 19:20
I don’t have a pic.
By: sycamore - 11th February 2009 at 17:45
P01,I don`t think the geometry would actually allow it,as most helos `sit` level with the tanker,and `pods` don`t have a very long hose,and the `Spad` has quite a tall fin.Unless,of course,you have a piccy/ref…Syc
By: pagen01 - 11th February 2009 at 16:08
I’m sure that Skyraiders were used in Vietnam to refuel the HH-3 rescue helicopters on the long range missions.
By: Boxman - 11th February 2009 at 16:00
Here’s one from Wikipedia.
Also note, the refueling probe attached to the F4D Skyray’s port-side drop tank.
By: sycamore - 11th February 2009 at 11:32
Jake, if you can get hold of `Skyraider-the flying dump truck’,by Rosario Rausa,ISBN 0-85059-610-6,it`s got pics there of the A-1 refuelling a Scimitar,an F3H,and a `Ford`F4D,dates between 57-60.Sorry can`t send a pic.Adm.Thomas Moorer was the instigator ,with Ed Heinemann.Not so much `buddy-buddy`,more `buddy-mate`,as the fuel would be avtur.Dont think it would be tried A-1 -A-1 !!
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February 11, 2009 at 8:01 am