Crews of Tu-142 of the Pacific Fleet naval aviation practiced in-air refueling from Il-78 tanker of the Russian Aerospace Forces long-range aviation.
In-air refueling is one of the most difficult elements of flight training. A pilot of Tu-142 aircraft is to contact a drogue at the altitude of about 6,000 meters at the speed of 500-550 km/h.
Refueling in the air increases the operational range and capabilities of Tu-142 aircraft and allows to operate at long distance from the home airfield.
