Aircraft: A-4F Skyhawk Custodian: Blue Angels BuNo: 154172 modex: 4 Location: air-to-air Date: 1980 Description: right side view of a Blue Angels Skyhawk, BuNo 154172, #4, as it refuels from USAF KC-10 tanker s/n 79-1711.   Photo credit: official U.S. Navy photo #L302776 contact: G. Verver

McDonnell/Douglas USAF KC-10 serial number 79-1711refueling Blue Angels A-4F BuNo. 154172. This clearly depicts the duel aerial refueling system unique to the USAF (Mc Douglas developed the refueling boom concept to enable fast refueling of B-52's etc.) Using either an advanced aerial refueling boom, or a hose and drogue centerline refueling system, the KC-10A can refuel a wide variety of U.S. and allied military aircraft within the same mission. The aircraft is equipped with lighting for night operations. The KC-10A's boom operator controls refueling operations through a digital, fly-by wire system. Sitting in the rear of the aircraft, the operator can see the receiver aircraft through a wide window. During boom refueling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons (4,180 liters) per minute; the hose and drogue refueling maximum rate is 470 gallons (1,786 liters) per minute."

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