Drop Tanks for Range Extension

[stiff ridge]

As maps grow larger and sorties and mission durations grow longer, the operational range of a fighter may come into question. There are two solutions for this:

1. Drop tanks

2. Tanker Aircraft (suggestion will be made in a separate post)

This post will discuss the first means for operational range extension: Drop tanks. These tanks could come in different variants for different aircraft to complement their range in accordance with their roles. They would be a selectable detachment in the weapons selector for detachment in combat situations. Additionally, the possibility of S2s or S3s on racks integrated to the drop tank rack can be discussed. Here is a preliminary list on what drop tank mounts could go where:

CI-22 Cricket: 50 gal (fuselage pylons)

T/A-30 Compass: 150 gal (Inner and Middle pylons), 300 gal (Inner pylons)

SAH-46 Chicane: TBD (To be discussed)

FS-12 Revoker: 150 or 300 gal (Underwing pylons)

FS-20 Vortex: 150 or 300 gal (Inner Pylons)

KR-67 Ifrit: 150 gal (Inner and Outer wing pylons), 300 gal (Inner wing pylons)

EW-25 Medusa: 150 gal (all wing pylons), 300 gal (Inner wing pylons)

Discussion is always welcome, and amendments to the post can be made to reflect discussed changes, so please leave comments below.

[pseudo lake]

if we get larger maps along the way, it'll be extremely helpful

[mild hazel]

Granted, stealth aircraft shouldn’t be using drop tanks because it murders their RCS, but it is an option for some of them. Mainly used for ferrying, because you’d have increased RCS from the pylons

[vestal bear]

just drop them, then you have stealth again

[mild hazel]

No, the pylons for the tanks would still be on the wings

[vestal bear]

they have minimal impact now

[mild hazel]

Maybe there’s a way to make some kind of RCS cover that slides into place when you ditch the tanks, IDK

But the reason the F-35 is so chonky is because it carries the fuel load of a F-16 with double tanks internally

[stiff ridge]

Some aircraft even struggle on Ignus, so I think this would be a welcome addition for sure.

[twin elk]

Genuinely on a revoker idk what to put on the inner pylons
Drop tanks probably is the best option for me so that I can ignore that pylon

[stiff ridge]

I typically use the 3x scythe mount there since all I ever use the revoker for is air superiority anyway.

[iron crane]

Honestly, as of the patch Kingpins are goated for targets of opportunity. If you haven't fired any, two pods even kill a Shard.

[twin elk]

I've tried it on a chicane and compass
Pretty fun

[unkempt hound]

The early F-22s actually ejected the pylon as well as the tank, but I don't think it slammed a door cover over after ejection

[mild hazel]

Oh yeah very cool!

[marble cairn]

Full fuel tank on ifrit enough to go on ignus from one sid map and back and must something lost. But if you're not always use afterburner

[hollow jungle]

I thought one of the big F22 upgrades was they got new stealthy pylons for the drop tanks.

Tactically would be kind of cool to just drop the tanks upon hearing the dreaded ARH sound and watch Scytbe plow into your drop tank

[mild hazel]

Drop tanks on a fully loaded Ifrit make a lot of sense, especially if you’re loitering and shooting at targets a friendly Medusa is painting with their radome

One of the advantages of drop tanks is you can take a lighter load of internal fuel, and dump the tanks for maximum maneuverability if you need to.