One of the objectives of the European A400M Atlas program, led by Airbus, was to have a transport plane capable of supplying helicopters in flight. However, the first devices delivered are by no means capable of this. Hence the order placed by France with the American Lockheed-Martin for four C-130J Hercules, including two KC-130Js, that is to say aircraft with such a capacity.
The problem was that in order to refuel a helicopter in flight, the A400M had to fly at a speed of between 200 and 240 km / h, which forced it to hold its flaps sharply, which had the effect of disrupting the flow. air. As a result, the aircraft arriving for fuel was caught in turbulence.
To remedy this problem, Airbus engineers have studied a track consisting of using a pipe that is a dozen meters longer … But of a reduced diameter in order to be able to accommodate it in the Cobham nacelle fitted to the A400M. . But a smaller diameter says slower flow … And therefore a longer maneuver for helicopter crews.
it took almost three years to go to the first flight tests. In September 2019, Airbus reported that an initial test campaign with the French Armament Directorate [DGA] resulted in a « series of in-flight refueling contacts with an H225M [Caracal].
Thus, during these tests, 51 « dry contacts », that is to say without fuel transfer, were thus carried out at altitudes between 1,000 and 10,000 feet [305 and 3,500 meters], at a speed of less than 200 km / h [105 knots]. All that remained to do the same again, this time with « wet contacts » [with oil transfer, nldr].
Indeed, via a press release published on August 19, the DGA announced that it had « carried out the first refueling test flight with transfer of fuel between an A400M Atlas transport aircraft and a Caracal helicopter », with the assistance of Airbus Helicopters. . This premiere took place on July 22.
Already capable of refueling combat or transport aircraft, the A400M will soon be able to add a new string to its bow. In addition, in May, its ability to drop paratroopers simultaneously through the two side doors was certified. And that was another requirement written into its specifications.
« On the Caracal side, this campaign will make it possible to open up the operational capacity for refueling by A400M in addition to that by KC130J of the Air Force, » said the DGA.
“In-flight refueling, combined with freight transport, […] offers the airmobile component a much greater reach. The field of operation of helicopters is then multiplied and no longer meets any other limits than the physiological capacities of the crew and the meteorological constraints, « she explains.