In the course of the combat training activities, Su-24M crews of the Western MD bombing squadron practiced air refueling with Il-78 tanker.

The operation was held at day- and nighttime independently and in pairs. The tanker refueled two aircraft simultaneously.

These flights are the most difficult of flight training. Warplanes at a speed of 550 km/h approach the air tanker Il-78 on a distance of 10-15 m and make contact with a cone sensor to pour fuel.

Refueling takes place at the height of 2-5 thousand meters. Only experienced experts, who have to observe the speed and height during flight carefully, are allowed to carry this element out.

The night refueling is complicated by the use of the additional lighting established both on Il-78 and on the aircraft being refueled.

Opportunity to be refueled in the air considerably expands the radius of action of planes, allowing them to work both in operational and tactical depth, and in the areas which are at a great distance from airbases.