Air Force Reverse Refuels KC-10 Tanker with 'Floating Gas Station'

During the exercise, a C-5M Super Galaxy topped off a KC-10 Extender with 23,500 pounds of fuel in about 30 minutes.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 01:08 PM ET

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A C-5M Super Galaxy approaches the boom of a KC-10 Extender to perform reverse aerial refueling training in an aerial refueling track over Northern California and Oregon on December. 12, 2023. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force successfully conducted a first-ever reverse air refueling, with a C-5M Super Galaxy providing 23,500 pounds of fuel to a KC-10 Extender.
This "proof of concept" exercise aims to maintain tanker readiness during emergencies and free up dedicated tanker assets for other missions.
Utilizing the C-5M as a "floating gas station" for other tankers allows more traditional tanker aircraft to be deployed for refueling fighter or mobility aircraft, extending their range and operational time.

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A U.S. Air Force aircrew reverse refueled a KC-10 Extender during an exercise the service says is a proof of concept that will maintain readiness of tankers in an emergency.

The reverse flow air refueling test was conducted by the 22nd Airlift Squadron (AS) operating the Air Force’s largest aircraft—a C-5M Super Galaxy—during an exercise over Northern California and Oregon on December 12.