Number: RL32910
Title: Air Force Aerial Refueling Methods: Flying Boom versus Hose-and-Drogue
Authors: Christopher B olkcom and Jon D. Klaus, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Decisions on the composition of the Air Force aerial refueling fleet were made decades ago, when the primary mission was to refuel long-range strategic bombers. Modifications have been made to many of these tanker aircraft (KC-135s and KC- 10s) to make them more effective in refueling fighter aircraft. This report examines the balance between two different refueling methods in today's refueling fleet - "flying boom" and "hose-and-drogue."
Pages: 8
Date: June 5, 2006