AARA
AAR Area
a defined area encompassing both a racetrack shape AAR track and its protected airspace
AAR Element
One tanker and one or more receivers
ALTRV
Altitude Reservation
- An area of airspace reserved for AAR with the appropriate ATC authority
- A moving ALTRV encompasses en route activities and advances coincident with the mission progress
- A static ALTRV consists of a defined geographic area, specific altitude(s) and time period(s)
BDA
Boom Drogue Adapter
Equipment used to convert the boom for use with probe equipped receivers
Dry Contact
AAR engagement for aircrew proficiency during which fuel is not transferred
Nose Cold
RADAR selected to standby
Spokes
The receiver had damaged the drogue
Switches Safe
All weapons switches selected to safe/off
Yardstick
Directive to use A/A TACAN for ranging
number +- 63 / X
ARCP
AR Control Point
The planned geographic point over which the receivers arrive in the observation astern position with respect to the assigned tanker
ARCT
AR Control Time
The planned time that the receiver and tanker will arrive over the ARCP
ARIP
AR Initial Point
A planned geographic point prior to the ARCP to which tankers and receivers time independently to effect an arrival at the RV control time.
This point may be a designated position established at the planning or briefing stage, or as directed by the tanker/GCI/AEW controlling the RV
ORBIT
Pattern is a left-hand racetrack
the standard leg is 50NM
Alert Tanker
Quick reaction launch to support contingencies:
- Missed refuelling
- Adverse weather
- Battle damage
- Excessive times engaged with the enemy
- Emergency carrier operations
Reliability Tanker
Ground spares (Alert) may be to far to refuel in a timely manner
Airborne tanker unable to complete mission
Receivers missed AAR
Operate in a given area with no scheduled receivers
“Flying Spares”
Can accept fuel of departing tankers to extend endurance
Tanker Cell
- Multi-tanker formations
- Fly Echelon right from lead tanker
- Receivers join from left, and manoeuvre accordingly
separated by 4000ft (3000ft is the minimum)
HVAA
High Value Airborne Asset
- Loss of HVAAs is detrimental to operations
- C2, AAR, EW, ISR, and Air mobility assets
- Usually assigned close protection
- Slide when threat approaches
- Retrograde when at risk
EMCON Options
EMCON Option 1: All emitters authorized
EMCON Option 2: Restricted R/T Communications
EMCON Option 3: Silent R/T
EMCON Option 4: Emissions out
Rendezvous Types
RV Alpha Receiver Turn-on
RV Bravo Heading Based
RV Charlie Receiver Controlled
RV Delta Point-parallel
RV Echo Timing
RV Foxtrot Sequenced
RV Golf En-route
Standard Rv Types
RV A and RV D
all others Rv’s provide assistance as needed
Refuling System
Probe and drogue
Boom and Spine
boom and Drogue Adapter (BDA)
Probe and Drogue Receiver
Canadian
CF-18
US Navy
F-18
Growler
European Allies
Tornado
Mirage
Boom and Spine Receiver
US Air Force
F15
F16
F22
Purpose Of AAR
Air refuelling (AR) is the capability to refuel aircraft in flight. Air refuelling facilitates the rapid movement of fixed-wing assets responding to contingencies when and where required.
Air-to-air refueling allows air power to increase levels of versatility, surprise, flexibility, and mobility, and can concentrate more air assets for operations.
Versatility: Ability to adapt.
