Omega Certified to Provide Air-to-Air Refueling Support to Boom Capable U.S. Navy Aircraft
Omega Aerial Refueling Services is now certified to provide contracted air-to-air refueling services to boom-capable U.S. Navy aircraft.
On December 4, 2023, Omega conducted the first instance of a contracted aerial refueling contact with boom-capable U.S. Navy aircraft. Omega’s KDC-10B tanker aircraft completed multiple plugs with a P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30, operated by a P-8 instructor pilot based out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville. After launching out of Huntsville, Alabama (located as close to the area of operation as possible to minimize transit costs), the Omega KDC-10B tanker met the P-8 aircraft in AR-633A for an hour of on-station support.
Omega subsequently supported two additional missions over the next several days with the P-8 aircraft. Each of these missions featured an hour of on-station support by the Omega tanker. These subsequent missions featured multiple practice contacts, as well as rendezvous, and separation maneuvers.
Also during these missions, the P-8s aircraft flew in multiple positions around the aircraft to receive different views and take photos for positioning information. Additionally evaluated were airflow and power requirements, as well as rejoins, position-keeping ability, contacts, offload, and other elements. In total, all aspects of joining with and conducting aerial refueling, including departing and even emergency separation maneuvers, were conducted.
The P-8 pilots reported their contacts and disconnects with the KDC-10 were a smooth experience – notably smoother and gentler than with legacy tankers. The aircrew also commented upon the combined advantage of a large aerial refueling envelope, modern autopilot, smooth airflow around the aircraft, fly-by-wire boom, and load alleviation system. Also appreciated were the more modern design and attributes of the KDC-10B tanker aircraft, which provided for a more accurate simulation of refueling behind the KC-46 Pegasus and Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
Omega aircraft are equipped with Full FANS, RVSM and the RNP capability for rapid worldwide deployment. The KDC-10B is a particularly exceptional platform and features many modern components developed as a result of lessons learned from the operation of legacy tanker aircraft. The KDC-10B is especially well-suited for P-8 missions due to its unparalleled offload capability.
Omega’s boom-equipped KDC-10B tanker aircraft are former Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) KDC-10B aircraft. Omega received its first former RNLAF KDC-10B aircraft in November 2019 and its second in November 2021. The addition of these boom-equipped KDC-10 tankers gives Omega the capability to potentially refuel every operative type of receiver aircraft in U.S. military inventory, including U.S. Air Force aircraft.
Omega also offers probe and drogue refueling utilizing a third KDC-10 aircraft featuring wing-mounted drogue pods, converted by Omega and part of the Omega fleet since 2008. Omega also offers probe and drogue refueling support utilizing two other KC-707A aircraft with centerline refueling systems.
Omega is the global leader in contracted air-to-air refueling, providing both probe and drogue refueling and boom refueling support. Since 2000, Omega has flown more than 10,000 missions and offloaded more than 350,000,000 pounds of fuel. Omega is proud to support U.S. military and allied aircraft across the globe.