AAR refueling speed is limited to 250-300 KCAS between which altitude band?

• A. 0-8000' MSL
• B. 8000-28000' MSL
• C. 28000-40000' MSL
• D. 40000-60000' MSL

Answer: (B)

Air-to-air refueling performance depends on maintaining a stable relative wind and a controllable hose/drogue system. The P-8A is certified to operate the refueling system within a specific speed range only in a defined altitude band, to keep the contact stable and the fuel transfer reliable.

Within the 8,000 to 28,000 feet MSL range, the air still provides enough dynamic pressure to keep the hose and drogue stable and the receiving aircraft synchronized with the tanker. Staying in 250–300 KCAS during this mid-altitude band ensures smooth, controllable approach and minimizes drogue movement, while staying within the aircraft’s and refueling equipment’s safety margins. If you operate outside this altitude band, either the stability of the refueling system or the transfer efficiency can be affected, so the speed window is not guaranteed there.

So, the AAR refueling speed is limited to 250–300 KCAS specifically between 8,000 and 28,000 feet MSL.