‘Raiders’ keep aerial fighters airborne longer

Photo By Cpl. Deanne Hurla | Staff Sgt. James Beier, a crew chief with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), watches as an F/A-18D Super Hornet departs after receiving fuel from a KC-130J Hercules. The Hercules transferred approximately 61,000 pounds of fuel to six F/A-18s during the in-flight refueling mission. VMGR-352 performs several refueling missions each day to various platforms in support of International Security Assistance Forces.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

10.06.2010

Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets provide constant support to Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Forces on the ground over the Regional Command (Southwest) battle space.

While conducting overwatch, the pilots need to stay focused on their critical mission and must maximize their time in the sky; they don’t always have the time – or the option – to stop for gas.

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), is the only squadron providing an in-flight refueling capability for the aircraft of 3rd MAW (Fwd).

Every flight is planned prior to take off, but adjustments often have to be made according to ongoing operations, enemy activity on the ground and changing tasks during flights.

“When the guys on the ground get into a fire fight, we can’t just leave them,” said Capt. Tim Greenler, a KC-130J Hercules pilot with VMGR-352, the “Raiders.” “We take the jets fuel so they can be there for support if needed.”

During their last mission on Oct. 6, the Raiders refueled six F/A-18s with 61,000 pounds of fuel. The Hercules can also provide aerial refueling to the AV-8B Harriers, MV-22B Ospreys and CH-53E Super Stallions.

The fuel provided to the receiving aircraft comes from the Hercules’ own fuel tanks.
“We take from us and give to them,” explained Staff Sgt. James Beier, a crew chief with the Raiders. “We land so they don’t have to, and in turn, it leaves them there for support.”

For the fuel transfer to take place, the Hercules pilots must maintain airspeed and altitude. For fixed-wing aircraft like the Hornet, Hercules pilots fly between 16,000 and 24,000 feet, and maintain airspeed between 220 and 230 knots.

From the rear of the plane, two crew chiefs monitor the clearance between aircraft before, during and after refueling. A third crew chief sits in the cockpit to operate the fuel hoses, control the fuel flow and calculate the amount of fuel the Hercules can give to a receiving aircraft. The Hercules can refuel two aircraft at the same time in about 15 minutes.

By performing in-flight refueling missions, the Hornet’s flight range is extended from 1,275 nautical miles to 1,660 nautical miles, meaning it can stay airborne longer while maximizing the amount of munitions carried.

A Hornet usually carries one 188-pound AIM 9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missile, but with less fuel, it can carry two.

With this capability, the Hornets are better able to support ANSF and ISAF troops on the ground, and the Raiders are able to continue their vital role in keeping 3rd MAW (Fwd) aircraft flying farther, faster and longer to support when called upon.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2010
• Date Posted: 10.09.2010 07:48
• Story ID: 57809
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF