Well from an RAF point of view.
1. Can Boom refuel E3D/C17's so they don't have to go and pay another Nation for the Currency/Training ticks.
2. They could BDA train UK A/C rather than go and pay another Nation for the Currency/Training Ticks.
3. The Boom could be used to offload fuel at much higher speeds, than the centre-line HDU can into other tankers.
4. If ALL FSTA had a Boom/Centre line HDU then they could all refuel the RAF's large aircraft as it is they will be a limited number capable of doing this and they will probably be in the wrong part of the Country/World when needed.
5. With a Boom they could also pass gas to the Receptical fitted Tankers should they have to depart the Towline for turn around comitments or unservicabilities before they have off loaded all their available fuel.
6. With a Boom/Centrline HDU both fitted then they could be used to cover for other tankers that have either had to recover or have not made it to the Towline.
7. If fitted with Probe and Receptical they could then recieve Gas from any tankers that had to go home early, thus still making it available to the fragged recievers when they eventually turn up.
That short list was brought to you from some one who has controlled tankers in 4 Wars/Conflicts and over 27 years of experience in Tanker ops. But does it make a bit of difference to the bean counters, of course not
