USAF KC-135 aircraft is preparing to refuel a USAF E-4 aircraft. The weather that they were going through causes the differential static equalization between the two aircraft.
Yea, because operating two giant aircraft just meters from each other ain’t crazy enough…
Once the boom touches the receptacle of the E-4 aircraft the charges are equalized and the static stops.
What you really cannot see in this video is the semi-transparent shaft of purplish/pink electrons moving between the two aircraft, this is commonly known as St Elmos Fire. St. Elmo’s fire is named after St. Erasmus of Formia (also known as St. Elmo), the patron saint of sailors. The phenomenon, which can warn of an imminent lightning strike, was regarded by sailors with awe and sometimes considered to be a good omen.
