French Navy Rafale fighter refuels A400M airlifter mid-flight for the first time 

A French Navy Rafale M fighter jet recently refueled an A400M transport aircraft to test the capabilities of a new refueling pod. 

The NARANG refueling pod, developed by Safran Aerosystems, was designed for use with the Rafale F3-R standard. It enables the Dassault fighter jet to operate as a small tanker aircraft, commonly called “buddy refueling.” In the French military, this mission is colloquially known as “nounou,” which means “nanny” in French. 

The pod, which achieved its first operational capability in January 2021, allows a flow rate of between 750 and 1,000 liters per minute, against 530 liters for the previous generation. 

“This new pod also integrates new functions, such as self-tests or assistance in locating faults, thus simplifying maintenance operations,” Safran explained. 

Testing the Rafale’s refueling capabilities at lower speeds 

At present, the Rafale M can only refuel other Rafale fighters while in flight since the French Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye surveillance aircraft does not have a refueling probe to receive fuel. This limitation will soon be resolved with the delivery of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes to Flotilla 4F by 2027, which will be equipped with refueling probes. 

However, the introduction of the E-2D brings a new challenge for the Rafale M, as it will need to refuel slower aircraft at a speed that allows for a safe and stable refueling process. 

The NARANG refueling pod relies on a small propeller at the front of the nacelle to generate power for the fuel pumps. This propeller works based on the aerodynamic effect of airflow. At lower speeds, the reduced airflow can limit the power generated, potentially impacting the fuel transfer rate or the pod’s overall functionality. Slower speeds can also make it harder to stabilize the refueling basket and hose, increasing the risk of disconnections or damage. 

To address this, the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ DGA Flight Testing Center conducted a series of flight tests to verify the NARANG pod’s performance at reduced speeds. These tests involved a Rafale M from the French Naval Aviation and an A400M from the French Air & Space Force, the latter used to simulate the slower E-2D Hawkeye during the refueling phase. 

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Buddy refueling plays a crucial role in naval aviation. For example, the US Navy estimates that F/A-18 fighters dedicate 20% to 30% of their flight time to refueling operations. To preserve the service life of the Super Hornets, Boeing was tasked with developing the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueler. The post French Navy Rafale fighter refuels A400M airlifter mid-flight for the first time  appeared first on AeroTime.

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