Instant AA Refueling Option Idea

[PacFlyer23]

I get it that having ED implement a simple or auto air to air refueling option is hugely controversial for some reason. I'm apparently in that small percentage of DCS pilots that no matter how much I practice I have never been able to do AAR. 

I get it, it's a "me" problem, but no matter how many YT videos I watch, or suggestion threads I read on this forum, I just can't do it. Yes, frustrating and no fun when it comes to flying campaign missions when running out of fuel.

I understand that ED may have technical reasons for not being able to add an auto AAR option similar to auto start of a cold jet. However, what about this simple approach...

Allow a pilot once they've gone through the basics of flying to the tanker, extending their fuel probe and radioing their intention to refuel, to then have an F10 option key to instantly have their internal tanks go to 100% full (or say 75% if that makes it feel less like cheating). No actual contact between aircraft, just resetting of the internal tank fuel level in the game for the jet. 

Campaign developers can then have the ability to add this simple option to their missions. 

Basically enabling the unlimited fuel option, but making the player do some work - finding the tanker - to use it.
 

[Jackjack171]

I get it but, throwing a little logic out there, doing this on your own (finding the tanker) and setting unlimited fuel is basically the same thing. Why have someone put the work in to write and implement code for something that you can do for yourself in less than 5 minutes? These guys have a lot on their plate as is! That extra labor for little to no ROI.

[PacFlyer23]

12 minutes ago, Jackjack171 said:

I get it but, throwing a little logic out there, doing this on your own (finding the tanker) and setting unlimited fuel is basically the same thing. Why have someone put the work in to write and implement code for something that you can do for yourself in less than 5 minutes? These guys have a lot on their plate as is! That extra labor for little to no ROI.

Okay... I didn't know that I could switch to unlimited fuel in the middle of a mission. After spending two hour successfully flying a mission and then crashing within a few miles of an airport or carrier is beyond frustrating. So if as a last ditch option switching to unlimited fuel is doable, I'll give it a try.

[MAXsenna]

47 minutes ago, PacFlyer23 said:

Campaign developers can then have the ability to add this simple option to their missions. 

To my knowledge, this already exist in some campaigns. 

How's your formation flying? 

[PacFlyer23]

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to switch to unlimited fuel during a mission. I tried flying a mission and then hit the escape key to call up the option menu, and there's not an option for unlimited fuel. 

Edited October 26 by PacFlyer23

[Jackjack171]

On 10/26/2025 at 12:02 AM, PacFlyer23 said:

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to switch to unlimited fuel during a mission. I tried flying a mission and then hit the escape key to call up the option menu, and there's not an option for unlimited fuel. 

You have to set it beforehand!

[PacFlyer23]

On 10/27/2025 at 4:07 PM, Jackjack171 said:

You have to set it beforehand!

Also I just got to Operation Cerberus North Mission 10 and it's been nicely structured as two parts, the first ends with an AAR tanker rendezvous that you can try or just end part 1. Then part 2 begins with your jet fully fueled - even if you didn't do the AAR at the end of part 1. Excellent approach giving the option for those that nail AAR and the few like me that can't do it (no matter how much I practice). 

This approach is cool since it also allows me to practice AAR in the mission, but when unable to do it, I can continue on with the actual mission and not end up wasting hours of play successfully executing the mission plan only to run out of gas on the way home.

Edited Thursday at 01:58 PM by PacFlyer23

[Harley]

On 11/20/2025 at 5:50 AM, PacFlyer23 said:

Also I just got to Operation Cerberus North Mission 10 and it's been nicely structured as two parts, the first ends with an AAR tanker rendezvous that you can try or just end part 1. Then part 2 begins with your jet fully fueled - even if you didn't do the AAR at the end of part 1. Excellent approach giving the option for those that nail AAR and the few like me that can't do it (no matter how much I practice). 

This approach is cool since it also allows me to practice AAR in the mission, but when unable to do it, I can continue on with the actual mission and not end up wasting hours of play successfully executing the mission plan only to run out of gas on the way home.

Hey, some questions about your AAR issues. There's a lot of factors that go into a successful connection and transfer. I'll tell you that it's not easy, and for me, it wasn't a matter of practice. Honestly, many pilots say it's one of the most difficult things to do. It's not necessarily all you. I'm going to give you the "cheat code" that worked for me. I can't do it without these, and a really good HOTAS is assumed, because without a really sensitive joystick, this will always be impossible. Assuming you're also in the F/A-18.

Let the plane help you. Try this: Form up with the tanker on the left side. Get in close, right behind engine 2. Make the request. When you get the "cleared" call, match altitude with the drogue using ATTH. It will dampen your tendency to overcorrect. When you match altitude with the drogue, use BARO altitude hold. These 2 AP functions BARO and ATTH Attitude Hold eliminates two issues with these 2 functions: Pilot-Induced Oscillation=PIO, and dampened the flight controls, eliminating the tendency to "chase the basket" and overcorrect. The next axis to control is power, and that is always tricky. Small increments. Smaller than that. Each time you apply power, the jet will increase a small amount of altitude, so small increments with power. It will also decrease a couple of feet when you pull power back. So, it's a matter of knowing when to commit, and going slow. Slower. Small moves, dampen what you can, and don't chase the basket. Approach slowly, and before you know it, bam. Then, the last important part, watch the tanker, not your jet. Form up with the tanker, and keep an eye on the wing, engine, something else. Looking at the basket will entice you to chase it. Don't. You're kind of bringing it to you, in a way.

What kind of stick are you using? That may be the biggest issue you have.

Edited 16 hours ago by Harley
Posted quote twice

[Harley]

Before you know it, you'll be turning with the tanker while transferring fuel. The turkey always seems to know when you connect and turns in the middle of the transfer. Always happens to me like that.

[Harley]

Just so you're aware, I was using a very old Saitek X-45 when I started with DCS back in 2017 or so. Since then, and since realizing that it wants much finer control than that old stick could provide, I pulled the trigger on a bunch of Winwing stuff. I don't think it's completely necessary to have that, but using Attitude Hold and BARO altitude hold are essential. Once you get good using the KC-135MPRS, try your hand at refueling behind the S-3. That hose is a lot shorter, and it takes even more of a steady hand. I try to avoid it, but maybe you do better.