Which A/C in the package launch last? The Prowlers! They have the
most
fuel onboard. S-3's, then the E-2's, then Hornets ( the F-18's head
straight for the tanker), then Tomcats and last, Prowlers. Of course
planeguard is already out there, and maybe if in range, the COD will
launch.

That sounds different than things I used to hear:

Texaco Hoovers before an E-2C? - Shouldn't a Hummer be trying to take
the advantage of "clean and less turbulent air" being launched before
all the jets, and working hard to reach its orbit on time? It has no
refueling probe anyhow, so it should not need Vikings...

The short-legged bomb-loaded Hornets do not launch last? - So, I
suppose, they "top up" first, and then join the strike package?


By the way, using "mission tankers" or "escort tankers" can be a way
of tactical deception - especially when they are of similar type as
strike a/c.

In the era of Libya Raid in 1986 the East block press wrote small ugly
comments about a handful of planes which returned to the carriers as a
result of technical defects. I believe some of the planes were just
airborne reserves (not needed for the strike if nothing bad happens)
or KA-6Ds.


Best regards,

Jacek Zemlo