Here's how the US military refuels B-52 warplanes in midair
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US Air Force B-52 planes conduct aerial refueling which helps keep the planes airborne longer and saves time landing and refueling. Following is a transcript of the video.
US Air Force B-52 planes conduct aerial refueling. The process helps keep the planes airborne longer and saves time on landing and having to refuel. This refueling technique is called "flying boom". It's a difficult method that both aircrafts have to navigate.
Here's how the mission is completed: The receiver aircraft approaches the tanker plane from behind. Once they are about 100 feet close to each other, the B-52 slows down. Now both aircrafts are flying at the same speed. A giant telescoping tube is placed in the front of the B-52. Once the boom attaches in, the tanker plane can start pumping the gas. It can pump as fast as 6,000 pounds per minute.
The flying boom technique relies on the boom operator and with the pilot's maneuvers. It's a delicate ballet for these massive planes.