What is the process of air refueling?

The process of air refueling refers specifically to the method of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another while both are in flight. This capability allows military and some civilian aircraft to extend their operational range and endurance by refueling without needing to land. This is particularly important in tactical scenarios where maintaining a presence in the air is crucial, or for long-distance flights where refueling stops would be impractical.

In this context, air refueling enhances mission flexibility and efficiency. It allows the receiving aircraft to continue its operations without interruption, thereby maximizing the use of available flight time and reducing the need for ground stops.

Other options describe processes or scenarios that do not pertain to the airborne transfer of fuel. Refueling on the ground, techniques for saving fuel during aircraft operations, or procedures exclusive to helicopters do not encompass the air refueling process.