The Il-78 tanker aircraft practiced refueling multi-purpose Su-30SM, Su-30SM2 fighters and Su-24M front-line bombers in the sky over the Kaliningrad region. The fuel supply was replenished in the dark, the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense reported.
This is one of the most difficult elements of flight training. Pilots of the 1st and 2nd classes who have flown more than 400 hours are allowed to it.
Trainee pilots make the first 8-10 dockings with instructors, then 3-4 flights - independently.
The aircraft rises to a height of 2000-5000 m and approaches the tanker at a speed of 500-600 km/h at a distance of 10-15 m. Then the pilot releases the boom to contact the cone sensor of the Il-78. At night, refueling is carried out with additional illumination.
The ability of aircraft to replenish fuel in the air expands their range and allows them to perform combat missions in the operational and tactical depth of the enemy. In addition, fighters and bombers can relocate to distant airfields without landing if an Il-78 is flying as part of their group.
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