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 "reverse flow air refueling" test, with a C-5M Super Galaxy transferring 23,500 pounds of fuel to a KC-10 Extender.
This proof of concept aims to maintain tanker readiness in emergencies and free up traditional refueling aircraft for other missions by utilizing the C-5M as a "floating gas station."
It was the first time a C-5M Super Galaxy was used for reverse refueling, demonstrating its potential to extend the range and orbit time of tanker aircraft in theater.

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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.