Available tankers (Source Training Theatre)

TANKER INFORMATION
	CALLSIGN	FREQUENCY	TACAN	ALTITUDE	NOTES
S-3B VIKING	MAULER 6-1	311.5 MHz	25Y	6,000ft	CARRIER RECOVERY TANKER
KC-135 MPRS	SHELL 2-1	254.0 MHz	38X	24,000ft	TRA ADANA

S-3B is a small, carrier capable tanker that has one drogue capable of refueling only one aircraft at a time. It is established in a left hand racetrack pattern around the carrier on the BRC.

KC-135 MPRS is a large purpose built tanker with the Multi-Point Refueling System (MPRS) pods installed on each wingtip, which allows for two probe-style aircraft to connect and receive fuel at the same time. It is established in a left hand racetrack pattern within TRA ADANA.

F-14B(U) Tanking procedures

Pre-Contact Setup

Before joining the tanker, configure the aircraft:

Wing Sweep: AUTO (Official BOMB)
Autopilot: OFF
Probe: OUT
Exterior lights: As briefed
Tanker frequency/TACAN: Confirmed

The aircraft must be nose cold around the tanker:

Master Arm: SAFE
ACM Cover: CLOSED
No air-to-air lock
No air-to-ground delivery mode

Join-Up

Join from below and behind the tanker. Do not approach from above.

Move to the observation position, normally on the left side of the tanker, slightly aft and stable. For KC-130 operations, stay clear of prop wash until cleared in.

Closure Control

Most failed tankings start with too much closure. Use the rule:

Closure rate ≈ distance × 100

Examples:

1.0 NM → 100 knots closure
0.5 NM → 50 knots closure
0.2 NM → 20 knots closure
0.1 NM → 10 knots closure

The closer you are, the slower you close. Inside the basket area, closure should be only 2–5 knots.

Contact Technique

When cleared pre-contact, move forward slowly and stabilise.

Use the controls correctly:

Throttle controls closure
Stick controls position
Trim reduces workload

Fly the aircraft into the basket. Do not chase the basket. The drogue moves; the tanker is the stable reference. The RIO usualy helps with alignement with the basket. Look at the tanker, basket, and reference points. Do not stare at the probe. Staring at the probe usually causes overcontrolling. Do not stab the basket. Use small corrections and gentle forward movement.

In Contact

Once connected, stop trying to “push” into the basket. Fly formation on the tanker.

Make only small corrections:

Small power change
Wait
Observe
Correct again if needed

The F-14 is heavy and slow to respond. Large throttle or stick inputs usually create oscillations and disconnects.

Disconnect

For a normal disconnect, reduce power slightly, let the basket separate naturally, then move down and away from the tanker onto the waiting area.

If unstable, ordered to disconnect, or losing situational awareness:

Disconnect
Move down
Move away from the tanker
Regain stable flight
Rejoin safely

Do not pull aggressively away unless required for safety.

F-14 Specific Notes

The Tomcat has significant inertia, especially when heavy with fuel. Think ahead of the aircraft and avoid late corrections. So use that Trim!!!

The probe is far forward of the pilot’s seating position. Don't overcorrect lateral alignment. Small inputs are usually enough.

Don't input more than one dimension of movement. Fix one dimension at a time.

Rules of Thumb

Nose cold
Probe out
Join from below and behind
Closure = distance × 100
Throttle controls closure
Stick controls position
Trim is your friend
Fly the tanker, not the basket
Small corrections only