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Old 27th Oct 2010, 08:10
  #113 (permalink)  
Algy
"The INTRODUCER"
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
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The info released yesterday was that Grizzly 1 will visit BZN, probably in last couple of weeks of the year, to perform dry contacts as a receiver from VC-10. The purpose is to assess handling qualities and in particular the effect of the tanker downwash.

Grizzly 1 is also being fitted with refuelling pods (same as MRTT pods) but at the moment primarily with an eye to assessing aerodynamic effects. Wet contacts not until mid-2011.

In terms of flight envelope the A400M is capable of refuelling fast jet, rotary, and anything happy with hose and drogue in between. All aircraft ordered so far have internal provision for refuelling specified (ie everything that needs fitting during manufacture), however I donīt think any customers have so far made public their precise intentions regarding fielding the capability. In practice there will obviously be a spectrum of equipage from fully tanker-ready just requiring the conversion from transport to tanker on the day, to basic provision-only.

Lots of info released yesterday which will no doubt turn up in the usual locations over the next week or two. And an interesting year ahead.
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