✈️ [GROUP FLIGHT] Operation Skybridge – F-22 Escort with DC-10 Tanker from Çiğli to London

Live Events
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Date: Flexible (Planned Group Flight)
Server: Expert
Aircraft: 1 × DC-10F (Tanker) + 3 × F-22
Flight Time: Approx. 3
Refueling: Mid-air over Central
Departure Airport: LTBL – Çiğli Main Jet Base, Türkiye
Arrival Airport: EGLL – London Heathrow, United Kingdom

:compass: Mission Overview

Operation Skybridge simulates a long-range NATO-style ferry mission. Three F-22 Raptors are deployed from Türkiye to the United Kingdom with a DC-10F tanker providing mid-air refueling support. Pilots will maintain formation discipline, realistic air-to-air refuel procedures, and professional conduct throughout this group flight on the Expert Server.
There is no enemy threat simulation. The mission is focused on realism, teamwork, and immersion.

:airplane_departure: Flight Plan & Waypoints

Full Route:

LTBL → ULSAT → TUGAY → SKS40 → ARBIP → VAFRA → ALESO → ROTNO → ETVAX → TIGER → LLE01 → BIG → CF27L → FF27L → RW27L → EGLL

Arrival:

ALES1H STAR

Approach:

 I27L (ILS Runway 27L)

:world_map: Phase-by-Phase Mission Breakdown

Phase 1: Departure & Formation Join-up

  • Waypoints: LTBL → ULSAT → TUGAY → SKS40
  • Details:
    • All aircraft spawn at Çiğli Main Jet Base (LTBL).
    • DC-10F departs first, F-22s follow in 10-second intervals.
    • Fighters catch up and form up with the tanker between TUGAY and SKS40.

Phase 2: Cruise Segment

  • Waypoints: SKS40 → ARBIP
  • Details:
    • Maintain steady cruise at FL230.
    • Chevron formation maintained with proper spacing.

Phase 3: Aerial Refueling Operation

  • Waypoints: ARBIP → VAFRA
  • Details:
    • Tanker maintains racetrack or straight path at FL230, 270 KIAS.
    • Each F-22 breaks off individually to refuel behind the DC-10F.
    • Post-refuel, fighters rejoin formation.
    • Expect approx. 20 minutes for full group refuel.

Phase 4: Descent & STAR (Arrival Phase)

  • Waypoints: VAFRA → ALESO → ROTNO → ETVAX → TIGER → LLE01 → BIG
  • Details:
    • Descend begins near ALESO.
    • Maintain controlled descent with spacing.
    • DC-10F leads, fighters follow in echelon or inline separation.

Phase 5: Final Approach & Landing

  • Waypoints: CF27L → FF27L → RW27L
  • Details:
    • Over CF27L, formation dissolves.
    • Aircraft land one by one on Runway 27L at Heathrow.
    • After landing, taxi to apron for group photo and debrief.

:airplane: Aircraft & Callsigns

Aircraft Role Callsign
DC-10F Tanker (Lead) SKYBRIDGE 01
F-22 Raptor Escort – L-Wing SKYBRIDGE 11
F-22 Raptor Escort – R-Wing SKYBRIDGE 12
F-22 Raptor Rear Cover SKYBRIDGE 13

:clipboard: Formation Guidelines

  • Takeoff Order: Tanker first, Raptors staggered 10 seconds apart
  • Formation: Chevron (V) — Left, Right, and Rear escorts
  • Refuel: One Raptor at a time; no autopilot connection
  • Landing: Break formation over CF27L, single file landing at RW27L

:fuel_pump: Refueling Zone

  • Zone: Between ARBIP and VAFRA
  • Altitude: FL230
  • Speed: 270 KIAS
  • Notes: Hold formation until your turn; rejoin after refuel complete

:camera_with_flash: Suggested Screenshots

  • Formation takeoff from Çiğli (LTBL)
  • Mid-air refueling over Central Italy
  • Sunset cruise into London FIR
  • Landing and ramp lineup at EGLL

:pilot: Requirements

  • Expert Server etiquette
  • Realistic spacing and radio silence
  • Refueling discipline
  • No combat maneuvers (non-combat mission)

:loudspeaker: Final Notes

This is currently a Group Flight Plan intended for realism-focused pilots. It may later be transformed into an official Live Event based on community interest on Live or General.

Leave a comment if you’re interested in flying or co-hosting!

Don’t forget to tag your screenshots with #SkyBridgeIF

2 Likes
2

Hi! This seems to be an Live > Events topic! Please put it in there

3

I will be intrested!

2 Likes
4

Hey mate, since we did not plan anything yet I didnt put it in that topic. But tomorrow morning I will check if people are interested in and will switch it. Thx for notifying tho

1 Like
5

Perfect. I will be in contact w u mate

1 Like
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This looks great, I’ve been wanting to do something like this, however I’m debating whether I should be the tanker or F-22. Anyways I’m interested, I don’t have DC so we can communicate via PM here on IFC

7

And a question, when will this happen (date and time in Zulu)

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It’s whenever we have enough prople

9

sure mate, I dont have discord too. We can make it out on there I bet

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I switched the topic to Live > Events so that we can find the 4th wingman guys. If you have a friend they can join too. Just let me know and then we can plan our flight asap. Thx for your interest.

Edit:

We can use TeamSpeak if we gonna need voice chat