Buddy store
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A buddy store is an external fuel tank loaded on a hardpoint on a military aircraft.
Unlike normal external fuel tanks on combat aircraft, buddy stores are equipped with a simplified hose and drouge system for in-flight refueling. A fighter / bomber equipped with a buddy store acts as a makeshift tanker for another aircraft, extending the range of its "buddy." This allows an air combat force without dedicated tanker support (for instance, a carrier air wing) to extend the strike range of its aircraft.