Aerial Refueling - in Popular Culture

In Popular Culture

  • In 2011, BMW launched a commercial featuring the 2011 BMW 5-Series named "refuel". The driver in the commercial has his coffee cup refilled by an aerial refueling aircraft, similar to that of a KC-135 Stratotanker boom but a KC-10 nozzle.
Film
  • Dr. Strangelove (1964) has genuine footage of a "boom and receptacle" operation between USAF KC-135 Stratotanker and B-52 Stratofortress in turbulent air.
  • The Perfect Storm contains a scene where an HH-60 helicopter attempts to refuel during adverse weather, but is unable to succeed. This was based on true events that occurred during the 1991 Perfect Storm.
  • The Final Countdown (1980) has genuine footage of a "probe-and-drogue" operation between US Navy KA-6 Intruder and F-14 Tomcats from USS Nimitz (CVN-68).
  • The Sum of All Fears features a mid-air refueling sequence with the E-4B NEACP. In the commentary, author Tom Clancy mocks mid-air refueling as "sex between two planes at 35,000 feet".
  • Air Force One contains a sequence where a KC-10 tanker is ordered to carry out the mid-air refueling of Air Force One, but the hijacked plane becomes unstable. The hijacker runs Air Force One into the refueling boom causing a fire and the explosion of the KC-10 tanker.
  • Stealth has a scene where EDI attempts to refuel at a large blimp-like fuel carrier, but is denied access to the aircraft. In response, EDI shoots the drogue off the hose and attaches directly the hose.

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