"> The RSAF deployed a KC-135R Stratotanker from 112 SQN to Exercise Pitch Black. 
Shaking Hands Mid Air – Tanking in Exercise Pitch Black 2018
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Air to air refuelling (AAR) is a key capability in any air power. It enables friendly assets to extend its endurance and range to ensure mission success. This year, the RSAF deployed one KC-135R Stratotanker from 112 SQN to Exercise Pitch Black.
The RSAF's KC-135R is one of the two participating tankers to have a Multi-Point Refuelling System, meaning it is able to provide fuel to any aircraft regardless of its receiving methods, via boom or drogue. Therefore, our KC-135R was able to refuel a majority of participating assets, such as the F-18 Hornets from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the MV-22 Ospreys from the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Rafales from the French Air Force and our F-16C/Ds and F-15SGs.
The RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet receiving fuel from the KC-135R via the drogue method.
The boom operator utilises a set of mirrors that provide him with high situational awareness on operating his boom controls, as the RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet receives fuel from the drogue.
The French Rafales are debutants in Exercise Pitch Black and our tankers had the opportunity to refuel them for the first time in this exercise.
The view from the boom operator’s window is magnificent. Here a pair of USAF F-16Cs fly in formation with our F-16Ds.
Aircraft like the USAF F-16C utilises the boom to receive fuel. The aircraft carefully backs off the tanker after receiving fuel.
The boom operator controls the boom and gives radio instructions to the pilot from his position on the tail end of the KC-135R, with the window giving him a clear view of the receiving aircraft and the boom.
With its long endurance, the KC-135R is usually one of the last aircraft to return home. Here the pilot prepares for landing after the Mindil Beach flypast on August 2.
The KC-135R returns to Darwin at twilight.
