Airbus C295W tactical military transport plane successfully demonstrated its aerial refueling capability on September 29 over Spain.
Airbus C295W tactical military transport plane successfully demonstrated its aerial refueling capability on September 29 over Spain.
A C-295W equipped with palletized air to air refueling (AAR) unit and associated control system conducted multiple contacts with another C-295 operated by Spanish Air Force.
The test flight performed at various speeds including as low as 110 kt did not involve transfer of fuel but validated safe operation of the hose and drogue AAR unit housed inside the fuselage.
The AAR unit was deployed through the rear cargo door of the C-295W.
The system is mainly intended to refuel turboprop aircraft and helicopters, but Airbus says could also refuel unmanned aerial vehicles in future.
This capability can be employed during special operations or to extend range of an search and rescue aircraft.
Airbus Defense and Space plans to conduct trials with a helicopter receiver later this year.
The new capability adds to C-295's versatility, which currently have Airborne Early Warning, Surveillance, Anti Submarine Warfare and fire fighting variants.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, the C-295 can carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt /480 km/h.
Introduced in 2001, the latest C-295W variant is equipped with winglets that improve fuel efficiency and hot and high altitude performance.
A C-295W equipped with palletized air to air refueling (AAR) unit and associated control system conducted multiple contacts with another C-295 operated by Spanish Air Force.
The test flight performed at various speeds including as low as 110 kt did not involve transfer of fuel but validated safe operation of the hose and drogue AAR unit housed inside the fuselage.
The AAR unit was deployed through the rear cargo door of the C-295W.
The system is mainly intended to refuel turboprop aircraft and helicopters, but Airbus says could also refuel unmanned aerial vehicles in future.
This capability can be employed during special operations or to extend range of an search and rescue aircraft.
Airbus Defense and Space plans to conduct trials with a helicopter receiver later this year.
The new capability adds to C-295's versatility, which currently have Airborne Early Warning, Surveillance, Anti Submarine Warfare and fire fighting variants.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, the C-295 can carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt /480 km/h.
Introduced in 2001, the latest C-295W variant is equipped with winglets that improve fuel efficiency and hot and high altitude performance.
