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Buddy Packs are external fuel tanks that allow mid-air refueling, extending the range of aircraft and reducing mission costs. They can be strapped to various sections of an aircraft’s fuselage or wings, but require special training to handle. Drop tanks are similar but are intended to be used by the aircraft carrying them.
Buddy Packs are external fuel tanks attached to an aircraft, allowing you to deliver fuel to other aircraft mid-flight. Mid-air refueling radically extends the range of aircraft and can be especially useful in times of war, when aircraft would be tied to an airfield or transport group. In the case of the Buddy Pack, the tanks are mounted on a regular aircraft, eliminating the need for a dedicated aircraft just for air refueling and reducing mission operating costs.
Also known as buddy stores, buddy packs can be strapped to various sections of an aircraft’s fuselage or wings. When loading aircraft, weight distribution must be considered, along with the risks of tank rupture, creating a potentially dangerous situation in flight. Many aircraft are equipped to drop tanks after they are empty or in situations where carrying full tanks of fuel could pose a safety risk.
Buddy packs are attached to the hose used for mid-air refueling. Planes that need fuel connect to the plane and the fuel is directed to their tanks. Carrying fuel tanks increases a plane’s weight, limiting the amount of time it can spend in the air, and you’ll have to return to base to refuel after delivering fuel to other planes in the group. Additional fuel from buddy packs allows other planes in the group to carry on, continuing reconnaissance and other missions.
Flying with friend packs requires special training. The pilot needs to be able to handle a heavier and generally less maneuverable aircraft comfortably. Additionally, pilots must be familiar with in-flight refueling procedures. This process requires a high degree of control over the aircraft, as the aircraft must fly together and maintain formation while refueling.
A related concept is the drop tank, a tank carried to extend the range of an aircraft. Drop tanks are intended to be used by the aircraft carrying them, rather than refueling mid-flight, and were used extensively during World War II when aircraft had to travel great distances. Typically, the tanks were released as soon as they were empty to lighten the load on the aircraft. Planes may also be ordered to drop loaded fuel tanks before landing due to embrittlement concerns; the British made paper drop tanks, for example, and landing with loaded tanks could have created a significant explosion.
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