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A400M Take Another Step Toward Tanker Certification

Source: Airbus

February 22 2019

Spain

Airbus says it has completed certification flight-testing for an aerial refueling system for the A400M cargo aircraft.

A total of nine flights were completed as part of the certification campaign in cooperation with the Spanish Air Force Test Center. Ninety tons of fuel were dispensed from the A400M's cargo hold tanks refueling unit to Spanish air force F-18 fighter receivers and to another A400M prototype as a representative heavy aircraft receiver, said an Airbus release.

The trials covered the development and certification of the cargo hold tanks with new fuel quantity management software; enhanced night refueling vision systems; and initial testing of helicopter refueling capabilities.

The milestone brings the program another step closer to full certification of the A400M for aerial tanker operations.

The A400M will have the ability to transfer 34 tons of fuel while loitering for 2 hours at a range of 500 miles (930 km), reported Flight Global.

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