Air-to-air refuelling

By Gostar den Daas | February 2004

Air-to-air refuelling mission over the Nord Sea.

Invited by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, AviaMagazine.com joined an air-to-air refuelling mission north of the Wadden islands. On the 20th of February 2004 the KDC-10 saw a total of six thirsty Viper quests. Join us on this once in a lifetime experience.

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Air to AirRNLAFMilitary exerciseMilitary

The KDC-10 (T-235) took to the air at 11.30 local time, at Eindhoven AB. Eindhoven AB houses the transport & tanker fleet of the Royal Netherlands Airforce (RNLAF). The fleet combines F-50's, C-130's and KDC-10's in the 334 Squadron.

The weather was beautiful, providing a spectacular view of the Netherlands, flying at 28.000 feet. After 15 minutes flying we reached the Waddenzee, heading to our refuelling area, called the Carol Track. Circling in the refuelling area, the first four visitors joined us. Four thirsty Norwegian Vipers on route to Norway teamed up at the wingtips of the KDC-10 which resulted in breathtaking photo opportunities. The statistics of the F-16's are noted below.

On our way back, out of the Carol Track, we provided fuel to two RNLAF F-16's, which were on an exercise at the shooting range on Vlieland. After refuelling the two Dutch Vipers, we headed back to Eindhoven, again with splendid views of the Dutch landscape. Two hours later we touched down on Eindhoven AB, at 2.30pm local time.