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USAF adds probe-and-drogue refuelling to A-10 with new probe refuelling adapter

The US Air Force has certified the A-10 Thunderbolt II for probe‑and‑drogue aerial refuelling after building a Probe Refuelling Adapter to meet an urgent combatant‑command requirement. The modification lets A‑10Cs take fuel from HC‑130/C‑130 drogue tankers, expanding interoperability while KC‑46 integration remains pending.

Discovered 2026-04-07T14:16:08.961667-07:00 | 2026-04-07T14:16:08.961667-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The change lets A-10s refuel from HC‑130/C‑130 drogue tankers, widening basing and tanker options amid moves to use tactical transports as tankers ([source:8247eed4-ddf4-433c-bc19-c4f380bec455]).
  • Provides an immediate operational workaround while KC‑46 certification and broader tanker availability remain constrained, following recent USAF tanker losses that affected regional refuelling capacity ([source:be74d71b-65c0-461f-832b-52229131a1c7]).
  • Completing certification for probe‑and‑drogue — a method the USAF rarely uses — increases interoperability with drogue‑equipped allied or organic tankers and aligns with a wider emphasis on in‑flight refuelling capability ([source:73ab3d14-f4a2-4f7c-b75a-94e9152217f4]).

Reported By

DVIDS / U.S. DoD defence-industry.eu aerospaceglobalnews.com Air Data News Air & Space Forces Mag FlightGlobal
Sources Tracked
9
First Seen
2026-04-07T14:16:08.961667-07:00
Latest Update
2026-04-11T12:16:51.223397-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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