Wed, Apr 29, 2009
Multi-Role Tanker Transport Demonstrates Refueling
Compatibility
The A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the bird put forth
as the Northrop Grumman KC-45, has marked a new development
milestone by flying as a receiver aircraft with a C-135 tanker
operated by the French Air Force. During two airborne sorties, the
C-135 made 20 contacts with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
A330 MRTT, the first of five aircraft to be delivered to the
RAAF.
The Royal Australian Air Force is one of five military services
that have selected A330-based refueling aircraft to meet their
nation's tanker/transport requirements, including Australia, the
United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In 2008,
the United States Air Force selected the Northrop Grumman KC-45 to
replace its aging KC-135 refueling fleet.
Phase two MRTT flight testing began in December 2008 and has
validated the aircraft's flight control laws and compatibility with
a broad range of military aircraft while operating as both a tanker
and receiver; tested and expanded the operational envelope of the
centerline refueling boom and two underwing refueling pods; and
tested onboard avionics - including NATO-standard Link 16 data
communications and the Multifunctional Information Distribution
System (MIDS).
A key technology on the A330 MRTT and Northrop Grumman KC-45 is
the EADS advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS). The ARBS
provides accurate, reliable in-flight refueling, with a maximum
nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute. A
high-resolution, panoramic and 3D-vision surveillance system
enables the aircraft's boom operator to remotely control the boom
from the cockpit during day or night air-to-air refueling
missions.
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]