U.S. Air Force trains crews to refuel and rearm F-35A fighters simultaneously with engines running

The U.S. Air Force’s 388th Fighter Wing is training ground crews to refuel and rearm F-35A Lightning II fighters simultaneously while the engine runs and the pilot remains in the cockpit. During the procedure, known as a hot Integrated Combat Turn, fuel specialists position and ground the truck while weapons teams load munitions and crew chiefs communicate with the pilot by hand signals. Teams rehearse with the engine off before practicing around an operating aircraft. The wing is developing the procedure for both established airbases and dispersed sites under Agile Combat Employment.