When external fuel tanks are being used, they usually would draw
from the external fuel tanks first before switching over to
internal fuel. That way, if you really need to drop those tanks,
you won't lose fuel at all.
On strike missions, if a flight thats carrying air to ground
ordinance and external fuel tanks usually will not merge. Once
AWACs informs them of a threat (aircraft known to have A2A
capability) vectored towards them, they generally will opt to drag,
take an Rmax shot if and scoot. Any fighters on barcap or escorts
will handle them instead. They will probably hold on station
somewhere until they are cleared in, if not abort.
