New Pics: MV-22, Super Hornet in Refueling Tests 03 Sep 2013 Amy Butler
"...The industry team had looked at the concept of using the V-22 as an aerial refueler for years but the effort gained steam – and funding from corporate partners – at the beginning of the year, Sparks says. Prior to last week’s flight, the company validated the ability to extend and retract the refueling hose and drogue, a Cobham model also used by the Marine Corps’ KC-130 fleet. Also prior to the proximity flight, the team collected data on the behavior of the Super Hornet in the MV-22’s wake. “Pilots didn’t report any significant wake turbulence,” Sparks said, noting the feedback validated expectations based on prior modeling and earlier input from the pilot of a Cessna surrogate used to study the MV-22’s wake.
During the Aug. 29 test, the two aircraft were traveling at 210 kt. The high-speed version of the hose/drogue refueling system is designed to be deployed at 185 kt. and function up to 250 kt., Sparks says.
For that test, the V-22 was functioning in aircraft mode. Sparks says the company prioritized testing for the Super Hornet specifically to address concerns that the Pentagon could need more refuelers for high-speed receivers....
...The refueling system makes use of onboard tanks as well as a roll-on/roll-off bladder, Sparks says. The hose extends 90 ft., about 80 ft. from the end of the ramp of the MV-22. The operator must open the ramp to extend the refueling hose; once extended, the ramp is then raised back up with the top ramp door left open, Sparks says.
Depending on mission profile, the system can offload up to 12,000 lb. of fuel, Karika says.
The prototype design, used for last week’s test, included a refueling system operator station near the ramp, but Karika says this can be placed where the customer requires.
The aerial refueling concept grew out of technical work done for Marine operators to use the Osprey as a ground-based refueler for helicopters and vehicles. That concept was fielded in 2007 to support operations in Iraq."
New Pics: MV-22, Super Hornet in Refueling Tests
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