Agile Combat Employment gets a boost: 379th EAMXS revives ground A2A refueling technique

A technique for performing ground aircraft-to-aircraft (A2A) refueling using the KC-135, has been revived by the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker and F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, for an aircraft to aircraft ground refueling at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Dec. 27, 2022. Airmen from multiple units across the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, including PSAB, AFCENT and AUAB provided support for the proof of concept that the 379th EAMXS executed at AUAB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Derek Seifert)

This technique, not in use for almost 40 years, involves connecting two aircraft on the ground and transferring fuel from one to the other. The squadron tested the A2A refueling technique using a KC-135 and an F-16, and is now looking at developing a more lightweight and mobile hose for the operation.

According to Major Holly Gramkow, commander of the 379th EAMXS, the A2A refueling technique “offers another option to the Combined Forces Air Component Commander for recovering diverted or stranded aircraft very quickly and getting them back in the fight.” Gramkow added that the technique “does not require the same amount of extra equipment, just the aircraft and the hose.” After completing the proof of concept event, the 379th EAMXS loaned one of the hoses to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia for testing with a KC-10.

The A2A refueling technique is seen as a way to make the Air Force more agile and to sustain Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations.

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