Creating a tanker race-track pattern?

[Nealius]

So I figured out how to set the tanker to orbit at a point so I can refuel, but how do I make an actual, realistic, tanker race-track pattern?

 

Let's say I want waypoints 1 and 2 to be the tanker track. If I set the tanker to switch to #2 when it gets to #1, then back to #1 when it gets to #2, will it endlessly fly between those waypoints, or will it just cycle through them once and then RTB?

 

I'm a little stumped with the lack of being able to set a patrol/orbit time...

[Grimes]

Switch waypoint is one way to create a patrol path. In a way its better for creating a little more of a complex shape. However the Orbit function is available and probably better for what you have in mind.

 

On WP 1 add this task: Perform Task>Orbit and select racetrack

 

RaceTrack will only appear as an option if there is a WP after the one that is selected. So if you only have 2 WP the racetrack option will be available only on WP1. You can set an orbit time via the stop condition duration for the orbit task.

[Nealius]

Ah, ok. Thanks. I didn't have any waypoints after the orbit point so I didn't see the racetrack option.

 

How large will the race-track pattern be? Does it extend to the next waypoint?

[Grimes]

The racetrack is based on the WP it is assigned at and the next WP. You can set altitude and speed as desired. I believe the racetrack will make a left turn with a diameter of a few km or so to head downwind. If tankers are on a racetrack orbit and are in the process of refueling, the turn will be a bit wider.