ID :
207911
Mon, 09/19/2011 - 06:03
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/207911
The shortlink copeid
Air Force conducting first aerial refueling in S. Korean skies
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- The Air Force said Monday the first aerial refueling drills in South Korean skies are underway.
It said the drills started last Friday and will go on until Sept. 30. Two main Air Force fighters, the F-15K and KF-16, are taking part in the drills. Eight South Korean pilots for each of the two jets will train with nine U.S. Air Force instructors and will acquire their air-to-air refueling certificates.
For these drills, a KC-135 Stratotanker, a U.S. Air Force jet stationed in Okinawa, Japan, has been dispatched.
An Air Force official said aerial refueling will help the receiving craft remain airborne longer and extend its range, and will facilitate its trips to and from the training base.
"We haven't had a certified pilot in aerial refueling, and during combined exercises overseas, we've had to stop at bases at different countries," the official said. "These drills will help us in large-scale combined exercises in the future."
The Air Force also said fighter jets, instead of carrying a heavy amount of fuel, can equip themselves with precision guided weapons and better respond to provocations.
It plans to hold aerial refueling drills every six months so that pilots can retain their certificates. There will be up to 16 pilots who earn their certificates each year starting in 2012, the Air Force added.
It said the drills started last Friday and will go on until Sept. 30. Two main Air Force fighters, the F-15K and KF-16, are taking part in the drills. Eight South Korean pilots for each of the two jets will train with nine U.S. Air Force instructors and will acquire their air-to-air refueling certificates.
For these drills, a KC-135 Stratotanker, a U.S. Air Force jet stationed in Okinawa, Japan, has been dispatched.
An Air Force official said aerial refueling will help the receiving craft remain airborne longer and extend its range, and will facilitate its trips to and from the training base.
"We haven't had a certified pilot in aerial refueling, and during combined exercises overseas, we've had to stop at bases at different countries," the official said. "These drills will help us in large-scale combined exercises in the future."
The Air Force also said fighter jets, instead of carrying a heavy amount of fuel, can equip themselves with precision guided weapons and better respond to provocations.
It plans to hold aerial refueling drills every six months so that pilots can retain their certificates. There will be up to 16 pilots who earn their certificates each year starting in 2012, the Air Force added.
