Chapter 5. Aerial Refueling

Section 3. Anchor Requirements

5-3-1. DESCRIPTION

  1. The standard aerial refueling anchor track consists of a left-hand race track orbit with legs at least 50 NM ­in length. The legs will normally be separated by at least 20 NM. The orientation of the track is determined based ­on the inbound course to the anchor point. Four turn points are designated to describe the anchor track. (See FIG ­5-3-1.)
  2. The standard anchor area consists of one or more entry points, an ARIP, anchor point, anchor track turn ­points, one or more exit points, and the designated refueling altitude block(s).
  3. Instructions for preparing and submitting anchor proposals are contained in section 4 of this chapter.

5-3-2. NAVIGATION WITHIN ANCHOR AREA

Anchor refueling must take place along the published anchor track unless otherwise coordinated with the ­ARTCC/CCF/HCF or through a letter of agreement with the controlling agency. Navigation must be ­accomplished predicated on one of the following:

  1. NAVAIDs while within usable range.
  2. Airborne equipment utilizing geographical coordinates in remote areas without NAVAID reference.
  3. Radar service provided by a military radar unit either ground-based or airborne.
  4. Airborne radar as a secondary operation within the anchor area.

5-3-3. ARIP ESTABLISHMENT

The anchor ARIP must be established:

  1. Normally, a minimum of 70 NM from the anchor point and within 30 degrees either side of the extended ­anchor point leg at the uptrack end of the anchor track.
  2. So as to provide for straight-line navigation from the ARIP to the anchor point leg at the uptrack end of ­the anchor track.

5-3-4. DEGREE*DISTANCE ANCHOR DEFINITION

Anchors predicated on degree-distance definition must provide:

  1. A means of navigation from the anchor ARIP to the anchor point via a usable NAVAID radial/distance.
  2. A means of navigation from the exit point of the anchor area to proceed IFR en route via a usable NAVAID.
  3. Anchor areas located over water or in remote areas or beyond the range of fixed NAVAIDs must be ­predicated on geographical coordinate route definition with suitable navigation means provided by the user ­command.
    FIG 5-3-1Anchor Track
    Anchor Track