{"id":7461,"date":"2020-02-03T21:59:09","date_gmt":"2020-02-04T03:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/planesintheair.com\/?p=7461"},"modified":"2020-02-03T21:59:09","modified_gmt":"2020-02-04T03:59:09","slug":"air-to-air-refueling-broadens-c295-tactical-airlifters-operational-versatility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/planesintheair.com\/?p=7461","title":{"rendered":"Air-to-Air Refueling Broadens C295 Tactical Airlifter\u2019s Operational Versatility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The new capability for Airbus\u2019 C295 to serve as an aerial tanker brings additional flexibility for this\u00a0tactical airlifter, further increasing its already-proven versatility and opening additional mission opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airbus Defence and Space developed a removable air-to-air refuelling (AAR) kit for the twin-engine aircraft that utilises a 100-ft.-long deployable hose with a \u201cbasket\u201d at the end \u2013 enabling the transfer of fuel to receiver aircraft equipped with a probe. A remote vision system allows crewmembers aboard the C295 tanker to monitor refuelling operations from the cargo cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent flights to test the kit involved an Airbus-owned C295 that refuelled a C295 from the Spanish Air Force, as well as proximity tests with the C295 and a fast fighter aircraft \u2013 a Spanish Air Force F-18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCustomers are increasingly interested in purchasing not just an aircraft, but a versatile platform that can be used for different missions,\u201d explained Mart\u00edn Espinosa, the Airbus Defence and Space engineering technical manager responsible for the C295\u2019s aerial refuelling test campaign. \u201cThe development of the air-to-air refuelling capabilities of the C295 forms part of this strategic vision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The C295\u2019s aerial refuelling capability would be a highly valuable mission-extender for customers using C295s. These customers include the armed forces of current and future C295 operators responsible for civil and military search and rescue missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, it could serve as a cost-effective platform to train fighter pilots in the skills needed for air-to-air refuelling. \u201cThe C295 tanker kit could facilitate training of fighter pilots for missions involving refuelling, or even for AAR services on a lease-by-the-hour basis at a fraction of the cost of heavier aircraft,\u201d explained Luis D\u00edaz-Miguel, the Tactical Airlifters Marketing Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain Gabi\u00f1a, a Spanish Air Force pilot involved in the aerial refuelling tests, gave high marks to the C295 in its new role as tanker.\u00a0\u201cThe degree of difficulty in flight test is always high since it involves performing manoeuvers that no one has done before. It should be noted that due to the positive behaviour of the aircraft, the operation has been good and straightforward,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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