SURB
Member
Let's have a look at the newly introduced aerial refueling capability on the JF-17 block-1.
View attachment 6148
Another view:
View attachment 6149
As the condition is that the PAF owns IL-78MP Midas tanker aircrafts, so they have to go for the probe and drogue refueling mechanism.The reason presented for having a static and protruding probe assembly is that there is not enough space to manage for a retractable probe.
Looking at the structural diagram ,it raises a question in my mind.
Can they not put a retractable probe in the fuselage on the center line right opposite the central fuel tank at the spine where the fuel tank is located?
One can presume that the majority of the electronics will occupy the space in an expected dual seater,but can it not be done in the current version?
Edited images to present the case:
1-Retracted state.
View attachment 6150
2-Refueling state.
View attachment 6151
In that case the tip of the refueling probe will reach almost over the canopy at the time of action: the pilot can easily see it or can use a mirror to visualize it.
View attachment 6148
Another view:
View attachment 6149
As the condition is that the PAF owns IL-78MP Midas tanker aircrafts, so they have to go for the probe and drogue refueling mechanism.The reason presented for having a static and protruding probe assembly is that there is not enough space to manage for a retractable probe.
Looking at the structural diagram ,it raises a question in my mind.
Can they not put a retractable probe in the fuselage on the center line right opposite the central fuel tank at the spine where the fuel tank is located?
One can presume that the majority of the electronics will occupy the space in an expected dual seater,but can it not be done in the current version?
Edited images to present the case:
1-Retracted state.
View attachment 6150
2-Refueling state.
View attachment 6151
In that case the tip of the refueling probe will reach almost over the canopy at the time of action: the pilot can easily see it or can use a mirror to visualize it.