The U.S. Air Force has equipped the A-10 Thunderbolt II with a Probe Refueling Adapter, enabling probe-and-drogue refueling alongside its standard boom system. This field-installable device fits into the aircraft’s nose receptacle, converting it for compatibility with hose-and-drogue tankers used by Navy, Marine Corps, and allies.
The adaptation addresses an urgent combatant command need for expanded refueling options in theater, where A-10 units faced limited tanker availability. It allows refueling from HC-130 and C-130 tankers, whose speeds and altitudes better match A-10 close air support and combat search-and-rescue missions.
Developed by the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in Tucson, Arizona, with support from the A-10 System Program Office, Luke Air Force Base, and industry partners, the adapter installs or removes in hours by flightline crews. The first successful refueling flight occurred on April 2 with an HC-130 tanker, certified by the Air Refueling Certification Authority.
This capability enhances deployment flexibility, sidesteps compatibility issues with KC-135 and KC-46 tankers, and supports agile combat employment by aligning tanker missions with A-10 operations. KC-46 certification remains pending.