Inflight refueling probes

[chrisonord]

Both the ARTS & CARTS systems look overly complicated, to me, & I have to wonder about the reduction in actual fuel carrying capacity using this system.

I'd be inclined to go with a fixed probe or, preferrably, one of the externally mounted fold-out versions.

My thoughs too O.W, plus it would be a less time consuming exercise making and installing a probe on the aircraft, as well as making it that bit more whiffy
Chris.

[Mossie]

The F4D Skyray used a tank with a probe, IIRC the Soviets had a similar tank?  It's not perfect (for instance, if you need to drop the tank, you loose your refuelling capability) , but it's a plug in system that's easier than modifying an aircraft.

[PR19_Kit]

Some early F-84Gs had their probes fixed in the nose of a wing tip tank, but I think the 'production' version had them in the wing leading edge at about half span.