Omega Air's modified Boeing 707 multi-purpose air refuelling tanker is expected to be certificated shortly following the completion of contractor testing for the lease-by-the-hour concept.
The US Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certificate will cover "A kit" installations such as the aircraft's plumbing and structural modifications. This follows the completion in February of company ground and flight testing of the modified tanker in Mojave, California, using a McDonnell Douglas F-4.
Omega has since moved the aircraft to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and contracted the US Navy to validate the 707-320B's removable "B kit" fittings, starting in May. "We're repeating a lot of what we did in Mojave, but under closer navy scrutiny. We need to measure the fuel flow and pressure to ensure we're within the limits of US Navy requirements," says Omega president Gale Mathews.
Integrated by BAE Systems, the modification employs a Sargent Fletcher centreline hose/drogue unit, with a second for redundancy. Ambitious plans to employ a microprocessor and variable speed pump were dropped with the dissolution of Team Inflight Refuelling, the original consortium behind the tanker, and departure of former partners Able, Derlan and West Coast Netting.
Naval planning calls for a 12h flight test programme, employing a Boeing F/A-18C, which, if successful, will clear the way to certify the Omega system for use with other US Navy aircraft. Omega hopes to contract out use of the aircraft to the navy and Marine Corps to use for training, support of developmental test flying, transport or when the USAF is unable to provide a Boeing KC-135.
"Canada is interested in a leased tanker and there are a number of other candidate users, such as the US Navy. We've applied for export licences for several countries," says Mathews, who adds Colombia, Germany and Italy are interested.
The company plans to convert a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-40 to a tanker. It is eyeing a Royal Air Force requirement.
Source: Flight International
