Air to Air refueling physics

[Cal1664]

Some better A2A refueling physics woukd be a great addition. A good wave of the hose as you attach would be great. Woukd also be amazing if the basket didn't auto disconnect when full. 

[Kuezy]

Totally agree!

[FELIX2013BRASIL]

+ One. I'm praying for it.

[Blackhawk163]

I remember the first time I did AAR in that other sim. Watching the basket oscillate and then the connection wave. Chefs kiss right there

[Tom P]

Only if this was talked about before. 

[HanuXXL]

I also wish that the basket would not autodisconnect within seconds if I somehow manage to catch it.

[Czar66]

1000% agree. A ton of dynamics missing.

3 minutes ago, HanuXXL said:

I also wish that the basket would not autodisconnect within seconds if I somehow manage to catch it.

It doesn't. You need to keep inside its tolerance box. Pilot side issue.

[HanuXXL]

24 minutes ago, Czar66 said:

1000% agree. A ton of dynamics missing.

It doesn't. You need to keep inside its tolerance box. Pilot side issue.

Explaining a joke is not mandatory

[Czar66]

1 hour ago, HanuXXL said:

Explaining a joke is not mandatory

Ah, my bad. It went over my head.

[draconus]

Well, the hose connection wave is just a nice visual effect for a start but:

• the basket should react to aerodynamic forces near the aircraft (escape from the nose)
• the basket/hose should give a little stabilisation after connection and push back with minimal force
• boom should give a lot of stabilisation after connection (should hold the fighter size aircraft easily if trimmed and set proper power)
• the basket/boom should obey physics even when it's not intended for us (when buddy or AI is also in AAR process)
• the basket/boom should not autoconnect until an inch from the actual connection and the shape of basket/receptacle should ease up sliding in
• the basket/boom should not automatically disconnect after getting filling up
• the probe, basket, hose or boom can be damaged (including keeping the broken basket on the probe in some cases, hooking up the hose)
• no clipping of basket/hose or boom over the aircraft body
• some fuel spills during connections and disconnections
• option for both types of refueling on capable aircraft
• more wobbly basket depending on wind/turbulence settings
• no possibility of connecting from the the side or backwards

What did I miss?

Edited Wednesday at 08:49 AM by draconus

[Dangerzone]

25 minutes ago, draconus said:

Well, the hose connection wave is just a nice visual effect for a start but:

• the probe, basket, hose or boom can the damaged (including keeping the broken basket on the probe in some cases, hooking up the hose)

This needs to be linked with 'indestructible', so no damage occurs if aircraft is indestructable. (To allow for training missions/people practicing). 

26 minutes ago, draconus said:

What did I miss?

Um... option for 'auto-assist' to autopilot/take over? 

But more seriously:

• Painted white lines on the hose would be grouse. 

[Northstar98]

1 hour ago, draconus said:

What did I miss?

• AFAIK drogues only allow fuel transfer when extended within a certain range (hose & drogue cannot be pushed in too far, nor can it be extended too far).

This would mean that we would need markings on the hose where applicable.

• Boom-drogue adapter kit ("Iron Maiden")

 

Edited Wednesday at 08:47 AM by Northstar98

[Northstar98]

30 minutes ago, draconus said:

Yes, but that is already implemented - observe the fuel flow and/or lights on the pod.

Fuel still transfers regardless of the lights in my testing, it's only when I disconnect does fuel transfer actually stop.

Edited Wednesday at 10:48 AM by Northstar98

[draconus]

On 4/23/2025 at 12:34 PM, Northstar98 said:

Fuel still transfers regardless of the lights in my testing, it's only when I disconnect does fuel transfer actually stop.

You're right. Just tested F-14 and KC-130.