Aviation - In flight refuelling

20th April 2005


A pair of RAF Leuchars based Xv squadron Tornados over the North sea, after receiving fuel from VC10 K3	An Italian Air Force Tornado from the Joint training establishment at RAF Cottesmore formates with us prior to taking fuel. The jets normally formate on the right side of the tanker, then drop back into position behind it to take gas. When the fast jets are topped up they formate to the left side of the tanker before leaving to resume their own operation.	One of the most graceful airliners to operate around the world, the four-engined Vickers VC10 was a true beaut in my opinion. This was ZA147 flying in formation with us over the North Sea

I was very privileged to take a place on two flights arranged by friends and colleagues, with the RAF. This was in the days when flying was considered a great deal safer than it is now, indeed I doubt that what we did then would be allowed now.

The first squadron to host us was 101 Squadron at Brize Norton who had already developed links with railwaymen and women. We were taken up from Brize in RAF K3 tanker ZA147 "F". In civil terms this was a Vickers VC10 built as an airliner, but converted into an air refuelling tanker utilising the hose and drogue system.

We flew in "racetrack" patterns over the North Sea while a number of fast jets came to take fuel from us.

Not to be outdone by 101 squadron, the "Wide" boys of 216 Squadron who operate Lockheed TriStar tanker/transports agreed to host us. We were shown around one of the ex British Airways TriStars, but unfortunately, the aircraft was not considered servicable enough to fly non-military personnel. The option excercised was to allow 10 squadron to host us in transport VC10 XV107.

This mission involved meeting three other aircraft over the North Sea so that an RAF Hercules could photograph a three ship formation of 216 Squadron TriStar, 10 Squadron VC10 and 101 Squadron VC10.

Ironically, the VC10 which flew with us on the second trip was ZA147 on which our first trip was undertaken.

I had a fantastic time and extend my thanks to all who helped arrange these two trips, particularly Paul Dalton, Terry Farren and Dave Mutty