蜜芽传媒

In 2016, 5 live was given unprecedented access to RAF Akrotiri, after MPs voted in favour of extending airstrikes to Syria as well as Iraq. The mission was being co-ordinated from the Cyprus airbase.

During our time there, an RAF pilot talked us through how 鈥渃hallenging鈥� it is to refuel a fighter jet mid-air using the RAF Voyager.

The Voyager 鈥� a former civilian aircraft 鈥� has been adapted for military use, re-fuelling coalition jets thousands of feet above some of the most hostile parts of the Middle East.

The aircraft can operate during day and night time operations and one of the pilots has been describing the skill required to ensure jets meet the Voyager for the successful transfer of fuel.

Both aircraft are travelling at approximately 450 miles per hour, when the Voyager releases a hose which the Typhoon must fly to and connect to.

This clip is originally from 5 live Drive on Friday 18 December 2016.