A400M som tanker

A400M undergoes tanker test campaign

By: BETH STEVENSON

LONDON

Source: 

15:20 28 Aug 2014

An air-to-air refuelling test campaign using a Boeing F/A-18 

Hornet (pictured) has proven the capability of Airbus Defence 

and Space’s A400M transport aircraft to act as an in-flight 

refuelling tanker.

The A400M performed 33 dry contacts over five flights. The 

transport also transferred 18.6t of fuel to a Hornet during 35 

wet contacts, Airbus adds.

The A400M has a basic fuel capacity of 50.8t, and in its 

standard configuration has refuelling provisions. However, this 

capacity can be increased using extra cargo hold tanks, so the 

aircraft can be used as a tanker.