Low Altitude - A New Dimension in Air Refueling

Abstract

Enemy air defenses have increased their sophistication due to technological advancements. Response to these advancements requires new tactics and procedures to increase the B-52's chances of penetrating such air defenses. One such possible tactic is low altitude air refueling or LAAR. This article examines the need for LAAR and assesses the US Air Forces's ability to satisfy that need. Capabilities of the US military's air refueling aircraft are analyzed. The effects of low altitude flight on the KC-135's airframe, autopilot, navigation systems, and aircraft performance are examined. Finally the article discusses the degree to which LAAR missions impact on operational and maintenance organizations so tasked. Keywords: Systems analysis; Air Force planning.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA193819

Entities

People

  • Cary M. Walgamott

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Conventional Warfare
  • Department Of Defense
  • Flight Training
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems
  • Instructors
  • Navigation
  • Students
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.