Thu, Jun 04, 2009
A330 MRTT Successfully Performed 1st Contacts Using New
Refueling Pods
The Airbus Military A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) has
completed another major milestone, successfully performing a series
of dry contacts using the new generation Cobham 905E hose and
drogue under-wing refueling pods. The receiver aircraft was a
Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ fighter.
The system performed well in hose extension and retraction, and
showed good hose response in the contact as well as stability
during pre-contact and when connected.
This new refueling pod is a development of the 907E pod already
in service with the Canadian and German air forces on their A310
MRTTs. The pods can each deliver up to 420 gallons per minute
through a 90 ft hose, and are controlled from a
state-of-the-art Fuel Operator Console located in the cockpit.
"The next steps in the flight test program involve more contacts
with the new hose and drogue refueling pod and the advanced Aerial
Refueling Boom System (ARBS), refueling a variety of receivers that
will include French, Portuguese and Spanish small and large
receiver aircraft. This flight test phase will lead us to the
completion of military certification, and final qualification with
our customer" said Miguel Morell, Vice President Airbus Military
Derivative Programs.
The A330 MRTT has been selected by the air forces of Australia,
the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and
was chosen last year by the U.S. Air Force for its recapitalization
of the service's aging tanker fleet.
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