View Full Version : International Aerial Refuelling Compatability
rjtjrt
24th Oct 2010, 00:33
I know Indian AF use IL 86 to refuel Mirage 2000 and ?Jaguar as well as Russian designed a/c.
What is the compatability between various systems?
Do the Eastern block refuel aircraft use UARRSI (Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation) standard? When did UARRSI come into existence?
Are there different and incompatable refuelling equipment?
John
The NATO compatibility matrix can be found in ATP-56B (http://www.raf.mod.uk/downloads/airtoair56b.cfm). The UAARSI/Boom is a US unique design, hence only found on US designed aircraft.
Jig Peter
24th Oct 2010, 14:13
As far as I know, "eastern" refuellers use the hose & drogue method, pretty well standard elsewhere, apart from the USAF who, when made to think about in-flight refuelling didn't want anything to do with a "Navy" system.
Beagle will no doubt be able to give permitted details about the fly-by-wire boom developed for the A310/330 ...
:):)
BEagle
24th Oct 2010, 15:42
I know nothing more about the KC-30 boom system than is shown on the Airbus Military website at A330 MRTT (http://www.airbus.com/en/aircraftfamilies/military_aircraft/a330_mrtt)
Although a boom was originally an option on the A310MRTT, neither the Canadians nor Germans specfied it. The A310 boom development aircraft which participated in test flying in Spain is a test bed for the KC-30 boom system.
Dan Winterland
24th Oct 2010, 16:14
The ''eastern'' system is a reverse engineered NATO MA4 coupling which is identical and conpatiable. The Roayl Malaysian Air Force refuel their Mig29s and Su27s from their C130 tankers which are equipped with the FR Mk32 refuelling pod.
It is not correct that UARRSI is only on US-designed aircraft. Airbus Military A330 MRTT has UARRSI when specified by the customer - notably RAAF. Nice movie (no. 4) here. (http://www.a330mrtt.com/Multimedia/Video.aspx)
Pontius Navigator
24th Oct 2010, 17:58
The ''eastern'' system is a reverse engineered NATO MA4 coupling which is identical and conpatiable.
I heard this was done to enable them to use captured NATO equipment and applies to power set and much else.
davejb
24th Oct 2010, 18:29
Same as I remember PN,
post defence review there'll be far less for the devils to nick of course, that'll teach 'em!
(I wonder how far that went? Did some poor Ivan breathe a sigh of relief when I retired and he was no longer slated to inherit my grow bags?)
ArthurR
24th Oct 2010, 19:41
Algy, thanks for posting that link, been looking for film from the Aussie A330, Worked on the flight test program for that, 1st with the A310 boom demonstrator, then on the A330, recognised the boom operator in a few shots, a good mate..:ok: :D
Algy, I'll give you that when it enters service.... ;)
BUCC09
24th Oct 2010, 21:31
RMAF Su-30MKM buddy refuels Hornets, Hawks (http://alert5.com/2010/10/16/photo-rmaf-su-30mkm-buddy-refuels-hornets-hawks/)
http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy258/BUCC09/cobham.jpg
Jig Peter
25th Oct 2010, 14:45
Before Algy has his say - end of the year for RAAF A330 refuellers (whatever they're called this week), which should make you happy (and them) ...