Airbus Military A400M makes first A330 MRTT refuelling contacts

Airbus Military has announced that the A400M new generation airlifter has successfully performed simulated refuelling contacts with an Airbus Military A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The announcement was made 9 May, 2012 in a company statement.

According to the company, the A400M made some 30 contacts with the hose and drogue of the A330 MRTT´s Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU). The tests were ‘dry contacts’ during which no fuel was passed between the aircraft.

The A330 MRTT that took part in the tests is one of the aircraft to be delivered to the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), where it is known as Voyager, as part of the Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) programme.

The FRU is typically used to refuel large aircraft such as the A400M and the tests were carried out to demonstrate the stability of both aircraft when flying in close formation and when refuelling.


Source: By the Shephard News Team - 9 May 2012

Photo: The Airbus Military A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport makes first A400M new generation airlifter refuelling contacts (Photo by shephardmedia.com)

(9.05.2012)