KC-156 Gas Jockey

Aircraft Role: Tanker

Called the Gas Jockey as a throwback to the full service gas stations of the 1970's and earlier, where an attendant known as a Gas Jockey would pump the fuel for you.

The Gas Jockey was originally a test bed for a stealth bomber/transport wing.  With a few modifications such as a cruciform tail, large horizontal stabilizers, internal fuel tanks, and air refueling systems, the Gas Jockey became the perfect next-gen in-flight refueling aircraft.
The Gas Jockey is equipped with both 'flying boom' and probe-and-drogue air refueling systems.  Two blended pods(one per wing) located mid wing contain the probe-and-drogue refueling system and can retract the drogue when not in use.  The 'flying boom' is located on the rear underside of the plane and when lowered, is controlled by a 'boom operator' to guide the boom to the receptacle on the aircraft to be refueled.

Inside the fuselage, eight flexible bladders are filled with fuel.  Each bladder can be individually 'tapped' and contain different grades of jet fuel for different aircraft.  Fuel is also stored in the wings to be used by the Gas Jockey to power the four turbofan jet engines mounted in the wing root needed for flight.

Equipped for long duration loitering missions, the Gas Jockey comes fully equipped.  A rest room, bunk-bed, and microwave(doesn't seem that impressive but nothing beats a warm Stouffer's meal), the crew of six(Pilot, CoPilot, Navigator, Boom Operator, Boom Operator Relief, and Fuel Management Officer) can comfortably stay in the air until they're either out of fuel(rare) or out of food.


So there you go, now E.I. has a way to refuel aircraft in flight.  Besydes that, there really isn't much to say so enjoy!