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Watch: Four IAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs Undergo Mid-Air Refuelling In Full Sync With IL-78 FRA Aircraft
Swarajya Staff
Jul 08, 2019, 04:06 PM | Updated 04:06 PM IST
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Four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been captured on camera undergoing mid-air refuelling from an IL-78 FRA Aircraft while flying in a diamond formation.
#ExGaruda2019 : Glimpses of Air-to-Air refueling by Su-30MKI fighter aircraft from IL-78 FRA aircraft.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 7, 2019
Gp Capt Antil says "Air-to-Air refueling is not an easy task. Pilots need to get their speeds right, get in correct formation and synchronise with the refueler". pic.twitter.com/CvrC8jwhJy
In a video released by the IAF’s official twitter account, the four aircraft underwent mid-air wet refuelling by coordinating with an Indian Air Force Ilyushin IL-78 tanker.
The video shows each aircraft moving up to engage with the flying boom of IL-78 and tanking-up after establishing proper contact with the refuelling pod.
After filing up the fuel tank, the aircraft successfully disengage from the flying boom to rejoin their formation for extended operation.
A tricky operation, mid-air refuelling needs proper synchronisation with the tanker and pilot needs to keep the aircraft steady while maintaining proper speed and formation to prevent any mishap.
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