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1/10 Following on from previous threads on Air Policing, Radar and Quick Response Aircraft, here's another on the use of tankers as a force multiplier. @BerryCathal @GCraughwell @nealerichmond @CharlieFlanagan @IRLDeptDefence @chrisrdonoghue @LauraMcGonigle @RACO_DF @ARCOIreland https://twitter.com/_IDFOC/status/1335577648232341505
2/10 Looking again at those interceptor criteria about range and speed. Fighter jets move inherently fast. To go faster, close a distance quickly or get to altitude even more rapidly, they may use something called ‘afterburner’. @CormacJOKeeffe @Aiden_Corkery @JohnMooneyST @yfg
3/10 Afterburner is basically a function on military jet engines which sprays fuel into the exhaust, usually doubling the thrust of the engine. The problem is that it typically uses something in the region of four times as much fuel as normal max thrust. @jjsalmo @LiamCahill2013
4/10 Now look at the interceptor requirement to either stay with the target aircraft until relieved or until it clears your airspace. The get-there-quick bit and the stay there for a long time bit are in competition with each other for fuel. @ConorGallaghe_r @donlav @ConorHogarty
5/10 There are basically two ways of solving this problem: lots of extra fighter jets at different bases along the coast or tankers. @Edward__Burke @McNamara_Eoin @K_Kourousis @RuthMCasey @galwaygrrl @MattGONeill @KennethMcDonagh @seandanaher5 @BobbyMcDonagh1 @ahernegerald @DFPRB
6/10 Air-to-air refuelling tankers are usually larger aircraft based on existing airliners or cargo planes that act as petrol stations in the sky. @DavidBa8976 @DefenceIreland @slandail_nssi @conormlally @SorcaClarke_TD @MattShanahanTD @Regional_Grp @GaryGannonTD @lawlessj
7/10 Scrambling with or shortly after your fighter jet, they proceed at a much more serene pace to where they need to be, at which point they can transfer fuel to the receiver by various means. @Fiona_Kildare @lichamber @gabmcfadden @MerriganMl @DanielFiott @SeanFionn @mupper2
8/10
9/10 Are tankers expensive? Yes, but a lot less so than another squadron of fighter jets. If you’re smart, you’ll combine your tanker purchase with Ireland’s already identified need for a large transport aircraft and, maybe save some money. @CllrPioSmith @MarkWall1 @ger_cosgrove
10/10 Either way, a tanker aircraft acts a force multiplier – one aircraft that dramatically enhances the utility of the jets you need as a basic part of the system. More threads to come (with thanks to @declan275). @MulliganEddie @BrendanSmithTD @PatKennyNT @malcolmbyrne
