In a groundbreaking demonstration of strategic air power, the 22nd Airlift Squadron successfully executed a reverse flow air refueling, passing 23,500 pounds of fuel from a C-5M Super Galaxy to a KC-10 Extender over the skies of Northern California and Oregon on Dec. 12.
This reverse refuel operation marks a significant leap forward in air mobility capabilities, allowing non-tanker aircraft like the C-5M to serve as colossal floating gas stations. The procedure, designed as a proof of concept, aims to enhance readiness in emergency situations and prevent the loss of a tanker aircraft.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Wilson, the 22nd AS chief of standards and evaluations, and C-5M evaluator pilot, highlighted the strategic advantage of using a C-5 as a fuel source. “It allows more tankers to be positioned for offloading to fighter or mobility aircraft, versus having to use one tanker to refuel another,” said Maj. Wilson. “This takes away a tanker asset from the mission and allows more tanker aircraft in the theater, extending their range or orbit time.”
The successful execution of the reverse air refueling showcased precision, teamwork, flexibility, and adaptability within the aircrew. Tech. Sgt. Robin Ogg, 60th Operations Group C-5M senior evaluator flight engineer, emphasized the importance of trust and coordination in the team, stating that “the experience left me with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.”
For the first time since its initial testing and certification, the C-5M was employed in this innovative manner, offering valuable insights that can be leveraged to enhance the range and capabilities of tanker aircraft in the future.
“To execute the reverse air refuel, we made amendments to two of our normal checklists,” explained Tech. Sgt. Ogg. “These changes were in the flight engineer’s fuel panel configuration to set us up to give fuel versus receiving it.”
The groundbreaking mission not only demonstrated the aircraft’s adaptability but also underlined the importance of incorporating unconventional procedures to meet evolving mission requirements. By offloading fuel in approximately thirty minutes, the C-5M showcased the efficiency and potential of this new air refueling technique.
This pioneering approach holds the promise of transforming air mobility and refueling strategies, allowing for increased operational flexibility and the optimization of tanker assets.
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