Originally Posted by
57mm
Interesting that they didn't use underwing tanks, as fighter aircraft normally do. Was this because they were unnecessary, or for some other reason?
They have a pretty good internal fuel load, and likely topped off numerous times to ensure they could make it to a divert base if needed. Interesting that both the KC-10 and KC-130's seem to have been on the same flight- plenty of spare baskets. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if external tanks have been fully cleared yet? Rarely see any A/B/C with external stores except for the few trials at Patuxent River.