Contributor - UK

David Donald

Airbus has recently completed a major test phase with the A400M airlifter refueling helicopters. The test campaign allowed the completion of many certification requirements and development objectives and moves the A400M a significant step closer to being fully cleared for rotary-wing refueling operations.

 


The trials took place over France’s western coast and involved a tanker-configured company A400M testbed and two Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters from the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (AAE, French air and space force). During the course of the tests, 81 “wet” contacts were conducted, during which 6.5 tonnes of fuel was transferred.

 


The A400M's initial refueling trials with helicopters revealed wake turbulence issues, requiring some fixes and inevitably incurring a delay to fielding of the capability. Building on the results of dry and wet contacts that were performed in 2019 and 2020 to validate the cure, the latest campaign focused on clearing the refueling envelope, and involved contacts being made at altitudes between 1,000 feet and 10,000 feet, and at speeds as low as 105 knots. The tests also involved the two Caracals being refueled simultaneously.

 


The campaign also involved some night contacts—a tricky operation given the need to fly in close formation at low altitudes, and keeping the tanker and receiver(s) within their restricted common performance envelope. Further nighttime trials are required before military certification can be released for helicopter refueling, which is expected to be achieved before the end of the year.

 


The ability to provide tanker support for helicopters is a key selling point for the A400M, with particular application to long-range combat search and rescue (CSAR) and special forces transport roles, both of which are performed by the AAE’s Caracals. Already possessing an impressive 700-nautical-mile range, the use of air-to-air refueling can extend the H225M’s mission endurance by up to 10 hours. French Caracals currently refuel from the Lockheed Martin KC-130J, which was bought to urgently provide the capability in the light of the delay in clearing the A400M for the role.

 


The A400M has already <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-07-08/airbus-expands-and-refines-air-air-refueling">demonstrated its ability to pass fuel </a>to a wide range of fixed-wing types, including Rafale, Typhoon, Tornado, and F/A-18 fighters, and large aircraft such as the C295, C-130, and the A400M itself. A total fuel capacity of 50.8 tonnes is accommodated in the aircraft’s wing and center wing box tanks, while an additional 11.4 tonnes can be carried in two roll-on, roll-off auxiliary tanks installed in the main hold. A useful feature is that these additional tanks can be used solely for fuel offload, separate from the aircraft’s own fuel system. This, in turn, permits different types of fuel to be carried to match varying receiver requirements.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Airbus Conducts Helicopter Refueling Trials with A400M Airlifter

The latest test campaign has achieved most of the objectives required to clear the A400M to refuel helicopters in flight.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

These airliner business jets might be more affordable than you think compared to purpose-built private aircraft.

Does a Boeing Business Jet or Airbus Corporate Jet Fit Your Travel Needs?

Charles Alcock

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Long-serving executive retains his position as CEO of Dassault Aviation 

Éric Trappier Takes the Reins as Head of Dassault Group

Exhibitor list and conference agenda will be unveiled soon

EBACE Organizers Promise New Look for European Show

Kerry Lynch

Globally, operations were flat for 2024, Jefferies reports

Bizjet Departures Tick Up in Dec., Remain Even for Year

Matt Thurber

Company's backlog is 79 Falcons, and 2024 orders reached 26

Dassault Delivers 5 More Falcon Business Jets in 2024

Curt Epstein

The OEM saw a 15-unit increase from 2023

Embraer Executive Jets Finishes Off 2024 Strong

AmyWilder

Aircraft ready for immediate operations in U.S.

Dassault Falcon 6X Delivered in U.S. with Nimbl Support

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

More In Aircraft