#aerialrefueling

India’s indigenously-developed Tejas MK1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) successfully performed its maiden mid-air refueling trial with an Indian Air Force (IAF) Il-78MKI aerial refueling tanker at around 1 pm local time on Sept.4, 2018. During the trials, a specially modified Tejas aircraft equipped with Cobham air-to-air refueling probe carried out a series of test profiles including a ‘dry contact' with the Il-78MKI. Dry contact meant that no fuel was actually exchanged between the tanker and the fighter jet. The tanker, assigned to the IAF No. 78 Squadron, was launched from its homebase, Agra Air Force Station, while the fighter was launched from Gwalior Air Force Station. The Tejas aircraft was piloted by Group Captain Rajeev Joshi, a test pilot with the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC), and the Il-78 MKI was flown by Gp Capt R Arvind, the Commanding Officer of the tanker squadron. All flight parameters of Tejas aircraft were transmitted live to a ground control unit set-up at Gwalior Air Base, wherein scientists from Indian Ministry of Defence's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) constantly monitored the technical parameters of the mission. Prior to the test flight, extensive ground trials were conducted in all possible conditions under the supervision of ADA scientists. A second Tejas aircraft flying in formation was used to observe the exercise closely. The success of these trials is a major leap for the indigenous fighter, thus enhancing its mission capability by increasing its range and payload. The ability to carry out Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) is one of the critical requirements for the LCA to achieve its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) with the IAF. IAF currently operates nine Tejas fighters built to an Initial Operating Clearance (IOC) standard. These jets are being flown by No. 45 Squadron "Flying Daggers" based at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu. The Air Force has 40 Tejas Mk1s on order and will also acquire another 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters which will incorporate design modifications and additional capabilities requested by the service. Two prototypes of Tejas Navy, a variant of Tejas developed for the Indian Navy, are also being tested and they are scheduled to conduct trials off the deck of the Indian Navy's sole operational aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, by the end of the year. Read the full article

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s newly acquired Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft made its first appearance at the 50th Anniversary parade at Tengah Air Base on Sept. 1 with a special commemorative livery. The RSAF50 parade, officiated by Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong, was held to commemorate the RSAF's formation on 1 September 1968. Following the parade, PM Lee toured the A330-MRTT aircraft and was briefed on its capabilities. In March 2014, Singapore announced an order for six new-generation A330 MRTTs to conduct air-to-air refueling (AAR), as well as undertake civil transport and disaster relief missions. The first of the six aircraft arrived at RSAF's Changi Air Base on Aug. 14. The A330-MRTT has better endurance, cargo and passenger capacity, and ability to provide more fuel to other aircraft compared to the KC-135R aerial tankers, and will replace the ageing KC-135R. Its AAR capability will allow the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to extend the endurance of our fighter aircraft to safeguard our skies, and also enable the RSAF to be more effective and capable in meeting our operational demands. In addition, the platform provides the RSAF with greater operational flexibility and will enhance Singapore’s ability to contribute to international Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and Peace Support Operations. The large 111 tonnes/ 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refuelling missions without the need for any additional fuel tank. This is the highest capacity of all tanker aircraft in service, even those which have additional fuel tanks in the cargo deck. The A330 MRTT is offered with a choice of proven air-to-air refuelling systems including an advanced Airbus Defence and Space Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and/or a pair of under- wing hose and drogue pods, and/or a Fuselage Refuelling Unit. ARBS has a fast fuel flow rate of up to a maximum of 3600 kg/min (1200 US gal/min). The capability to refuel both drogue-refueled and boom-refueled platforms, will enhance the RSAF’s interoperability with other air forces. Additionally, the A330-MRTT is equipped with the Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), which allows it to receive fuel from another tanker aircraft. This will increase the endurance and range of the A330-MRTT to fulfill its mission during extended operations. Apart from AAR operations, the A330-MRTT has the ability to carry up to 82,000 lbs (37,000 kg) of cargo or 266 personnel. This flexibility allows the aircraft to be configured expeditiously for a wide range of airlift missions. When required, the aircraft can also be equipped with medical equipment for aero-medical evacuation missions. With these capabilities, the A330 MRTT can support the deployment of 4 fighter aircraft plus 50 personnel and 12 tonnes of freight (luggage, spare parts and equipment) in one direct flight over 5200 km, e.g. from Europe to Afghanistan. To-date, a total of 57 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by 11 nations (Australia, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom), with two (Australia and Saudi Arabia) having already placed repeat orders. Read the full article

Boeing will build the U.S. Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 aerial refueling aircraft, through an $805 million contract awarded on Aug. 30. Boeing was awarded the engineering and manufacturing development contract to provide four aircraft. Boeing plans to perform the MQ-25 work in St. Louis. “As a company, we made an investment in both our team and in an unmanned aircraft system that meets the U.S. Navy’s refueling requirements,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “The fact that we’re already preparing for first flight is thanks to an outstanding team who understands the Navy and their need to have this important asset on carrier decks around the world.” MQ-25 is designed to provide the U.S. Navy with a much-needed refueling capability. According to the U.S. Navy, the MQ-25 Stingray will allow for better use of combat strike fighters by extending the range of deployed Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Lockheed Martin F-35C aircraft. MQ-25 will also seamlessly integrate with a carrier’s catapult and launch and recovery systems. Boeing has been providing carrier aircraft to the U.S. Navy for more than 90 years. MQ-25 Stingray MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier aviation air system (UCAAS), formerly the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), is a planned unmanned combat aerial system (UCAV) that resulted from the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program (UCLSS). On 1 February 2016, after many delays over whether the UCLASS would specialize in strike or intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, it was reported that a significant portion of the UCLASS effort would be directed to produce a Super Hornet-sized carrier-based aerial refueling tanker as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), with “a little ISR” and some capabilities for communications relay, and strike capabilities put off to a future version of the aircraft. In July 2016, it was officially named “MQ-25A Stingray”. Three of these UCAVs could fly with an F-35 for refueling and sensor operation. The MQ-25 can extend the Super Hornet’s 450 nmi unrefueled combat radius to beyond 700 nmi. The Navy’s goal for the aircraft is to be able to deliver 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) of fuel to 4-6 planes at 500 nmi. The Navy released the final MQ-25 Stingray RFP in Oct. 2017; the competitors were Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. On 25 Oct.2017, Northrop Grumman announced that it was withdrawing its X-47B from the MQ-25 competition saying they would be unable to meet the terms of service for the programme. Read the full article

TILTROTOR THURSDAY #Marines with #Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363 perform post-flight checks on an #MV22B #Osprey after an #aerialrefueling training event aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 16. (#USMarine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released) (at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar)

TRAINING TUESDAY An #MV22B #Osprey pilot with #Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363 maneuvers his #aircraft into position during an #aerialrefueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 16. (#USMarine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released) (at MCAS Miramar, California)