Interesting Point....

It looks like his analysis, while thoughtful, considers only the range of aircraft without refueling. I'm thinking that aerial refueling is kind of central to the way aircraft operate, and would counter his argument that carriers need be close to shore.
Now, my assumption is that tanker aircraft can be carrier based. If not, then that would be a big wrinkle.
 
It looks like his analysis, while thoughtful, considers only the range of aircraft without refueling. I'm thinking that aerial refueling is kind of central to the way aircraft operate, and would counter his argument that carriers need be close to shore.
Now, my assumption is that tanker aircraft can be carrier based. If not, then that would be a big wrinkle.

Unless there's a plane I know nothing about, there are no fixed wing, carrier borne tankers.
 
A gazillion years ago, when I was in, S-3 where used as are re fuelers for an air bridge. And they were re placed by F/A 18 E/F using a buddy system.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Have to think outside the box. According to Wiki, AGM 158ER has 575 mile range, so with aerial refueling, our strike capability can be extended beyond the normal range of aircraft carrier based aircraft. Of course, this is in theory only. Another interesting fact from the wiki, assuming it is true, AGM 158 is serval inches too big for F35's internal weapons bay.
 
It looks like his analysis, while thoughtful, considers only the range of aircraft without refueling. I'm thinking that aerial refueling is kind of central to the way aircraft operate, and would counter his argument that carriers need be close to shore.
Now, my assumption is that tanker aircraft can be carrier based. If not, then that would be a big wrinkle.

Unless there's a plane I know nothing about, there are no fixed wing, carrier borne tankers.

Air wings have refueling pods that attach to the hardpoints of the FA-18s. The tanker, call sign Texaco, will launch with a refueling pod and several drop tanks of fuel.
 
Like this:
9XSqrlO.jpg
 
Is that a refueler refueling a refueler? I think I've found some government waste that we can cut! HAHA
 
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