Hercules

We quite often see military aircraft out and about in this area. This Hercules came over us (very low) when we were out walking in the afternoon.  We think that the "thing" sticking out of the front is a refuelling probe for mid-air refuelling, but if anyone knows better please let me know what it is. 
A couple of weeks ago there was a Tornado, followed a few seconds later by a Typhoon, flying right above our lane, really low, and extremely fast. We could even see the flames coming out of the back of the Typhoon. I was on the phone to a lady at the tax office at the time, and she was amazed at the sound even over the phone. This week we were talking to someone at our gate, and a Tornado came over again. They seem to be following the river valley along. The sound was absolutely phenomenal as we were outside the house. The trouble is that you can't hear them approaching, so we haven't been able to get a shot of them yet.  
By the way, I'm not complaining - I love to see them.