An A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) has performed the first wet contact using Airbus Military's Air Refuelling Boom System.
The in-flight refuelling was conducted with two Portuguese air force Lockheed Martin F-16s on 21 October.
During the 4.5h flight, 13 contacts were performed and more than 1.5t of fuel transferred.
 |
|---|
|
Both images © Airbus Military |
The tanker used in the exercise will be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force by mid-2010. The 17m (56ft) long fly-by-wire boom, located beneath the rear fuselage, is remote controlled from a 3D viewing console in the cockpit.
Airbus Military says the MRTT's hose-and-drogue refuelling system also underwent successful ground testing during September, with over 200t of fuel having been transferred.
Source: Flight International
