I think the probe was "bent" to get the receiver out of the tanker's
wash. Most navy planes with probes had the probe out in front of the
pilot to make it easier to plug in. Some like the Fury had the probe
way out and were a bitch to plug. Crusaders probe was behind the pilot
and made for a few missed plugs. Little fuel leakage, even into the
intake, was no problem. But some guys just weren't happy unless they
could bitch about something. I liked to get the gas no matter some
leaks. Beat punching out all to heck.