How much of an improvement was the Buccaneer's 4,498-liter buddy-refueling pack over earlier Scimitar and Sea Vixen tankers?
Short answerIt improved both fuel capacity and operational flexibility because the Buccaneer combined the larger pack with a highly maneuverable carrier aircraft.
NotesThe Buccaneer's refueling pack offered a substantial capacity increase over earlier carrier tanker arrangements. The aircraft also had the maneuverability and flexibility to put that fuel where a carrier air group needed it. Buddy-tanker effectiveness depends on transferable fuel, aircraft performance, and deck-level availability.