Limitations on the number of times in-flight refuelling can be accomplished often involved crew complement of the receiver aircraft more than the aircraft itself. It can be a very challenging task, and very fatiguing especially towards the end of a particularly long flight. It can be a very perishable skill for many although for others it’s just like riding a bike again.

Secondly, as Dragonflyer noted, tanker availability is often an issue. The number of aircraft that require AAR can often exceed the tankers available.

Gerard, what is the story behind the Herc doing the dirt landing? What country is that one operated by? I was unable to place it.

Was there to witness the fly-past and it was an awesome sight indeed. Any place that lists which squadrons the aircraft all came from?

I went on Saturday, and while I noticed the lower crowd numbers, I still enjoyed the show overall. (I had never seen the Patrouille de France before, and I must say they did not disappoint.)

I am curious though……what prompted the implementation of the advance ticketing policy? Does it pertain to Shoreham or is it something else?

I thought the use of all of the three primary fuselage hardpoints (not counting the one for recce/targeting pods) for AAMs was interesting. I think the JAS-39 is an excellent airplane, and I hope to see it continue to do well on the export market. I look forward to the day I get to see one in person for the first time.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Russia—Air/Mikoyan-Gurevich-MiG-31BSM/2807160/&sid=db93dc3d944cbe96fa0e661c32a7c89a

Provided the photographer is correct, and this is a MiG-31BSM (upgraded MiG-31BS to BM standard?), then here is an example of a “BM” with armament although they are apparently the standard R-33 variants. The underwing pylons would seem to indicate this is an upgraded jet wouldn’t they?

Either way a fantastic photo!

I too am confused as to how the U.K. buying P-8’s means an extension of U.S. surveillance….??

Anyways, I’d wager if they deem an AAR capability for the P-8 necessary they would pay for the installation of probes at some point. It’s been done with C-130s so I see no reason it wouldn’t work for the P-8. That would likely be far cheaper than installing a flying boom on the A330. Just my two cents…

FWIW, I’m glad I’ve never had to be trained to fly probe/drogue AAR. Seems way too difficult for my liking. Let the boomer do all the work. 🙂