Quote:
Originally Posted by Llarry
But in some circumstances, stealth is not the top priority. For instance, I suspect that the 3rd Wing's F-22As out of Elmendorf carry drop tanks more frequently than the other wings due to the possibility of getting caught in deteriorating weather. (And circumstances required, I believe the F-22A drops not only the tank but the pylon as well.)
|
True. For operations like the pic you posted, stealth isn't really a thing. Additionally, they're probably quite helpful when doing hops across the pond-- the F-15 uses Conformal Fuel Packs for a similar use and to minimize multiple refueling.
However, dropping them willy-nilly gets spendy fast, and unless you have an unlimited supply of tanks, that's a limited-trick pony.
R.
__________________
Current: M2C, Miata RF-GT, RDX & Element // R1200GS & VRSCF
Previous: M3, Focus ZX3-S2, Superchaged Solara, Samurai, Integra, Pinto & RX-4 // VRSCR, R6S, FZ1 & FZ600