Probe-and-drogue is a midair refueling system utilizing a flexible hose with a parachute-like basket (the drogue) trailed by the tanker aircraft. The pilot of the receiving aircraft maneuvers a rigid boom (the probe) into the basket to establish a fuel connection. Unlike the flying boom method, this system allows a single tanker to refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously using wingtip pods.
Heard on the job
The Navy relies heavily on probe-and-drogue systems because they can be fitted to carrier-based strike fighters acting as buddy tankers.