SR-71A ’963, Callsign Minty 23, receives sustenance in the form of several thousand pounds of JP-7 from KC-135Q 80117.

Photo, taken by the P.Crickmore, shows SR- 71A Minty 23 taking on fuel from KC-135Q Equal 61.

Rear view of KC-135Q with fuel hose tucked away, its job done.

Another view of SR-71A ’963 Minty 23 as she pulls away from refuelling.

The sinister outline of a Lockheed SR-71A approaching RAF Mildenhall, its landing light piercing the wintry murk, and everything dangling. The aircraft has a 300kt undercarriage-down limitation speed.