[Repeat to Fade]

Mid-air refueling is something I don't quite understand, I mean I understand the actual operation of it just not the logistics behind it.

Let's take a recent example of RAF tornadoes launching from england and bombing Libya and being refueled 3 times on the way there. What I don't get is where these refueling aircraft came from. Did they also fly from England with the tornadoes as a kind of escort? Or do they depart from a place closer to Libya and rendez vous with the Torandos en route?

[Rilzik]

They don't escort the attack planes. They would have designated points where the tankers are met by the attack aircraft. They would have been repositioned before hand if they were British, or coordinated with allies to use tankers already in the area if they were coalition. Even in relatively safe areas like European airspace, they would want to have the tankers in the air for as little time as possible.

[Cartertonian]

I don't know the specifics of this particular Op, but it is quite possible that VC-10 aircraft from the UK would have pre-positioned in Mediterranean locations in order to tank the Tornadoes. Usually, a UK-based tanker will rendezvous with GR4s leaving UK airspace fairly soon after their take-off, allowing them to launch with maximum stores. The next fuelling will be from a pre-positioned asset before engaging with the specific tasking, and then a final fuelling afterwards to get them home.

[Repeat to Fade]

This leads to my following question. If we have Mediterranean air bases in which we can house VC-10's why not house tornadoes there instead and do away with the whole refueling process to begin with?

[Cartertonian]

Because all the ground support is at Marham. Relocating a detachment of GR4s is obviously possible, but logistically less attractive than having them operate out of their MOB and let the tanker crews go sunbathing on the Med.

[Rilzik]

I would imagine because at the time of planning the planes hadn't had time to move yet. The air bases in Italy must be a logistical nightmare right about now so while they could have moved them closer, other things took precedent like getting Arab planes and other european countries planes into the area to begin operations too symbolically show how broad and unified the coalition is.

They obviously wanted the first offensive operation to be as big as possible, shock and awe, so using as many assets as possible even if it meant flying planes from England and B-2's all the way from the US then so be it. Not cluttering up local airfields while they are building up a force for the long haul at the same time.

[The Clockwork Rat]

Why can they not land and refuel? Do you need a specialised technician to stick the hose in the hole or something?

[Repeat to Fade]

Because all the ground support is at Marham.

But surely there must be ground support for the vc-10s in the med too.

would imagine because at the time of planning the planes hadn't had time to move yet. The air bases in Italy must be a logistical nightmare right about now so while they could have moved them closer,

But they obviously have permanently stationed vc-10s there but not fighter aircraft. It seems a rather bizarre setup.

[MB.]

Why can they not land and refuel?

Well of course you do when you expend all your ordinance. Ariel refueling is faster, so long as you still have ordinance to drop.