Airbus A400M Soars in Pivotal Helicopter Refueling Validation Mission

The Airbus A400M, a next-generation airlifter, has successfully undertaken a significant helicopter air-to-air refuelling certification campaign, achieving the majority of its development and certification goals. Airbus Defence and Space targets complete helicopter air-to-air refuelling certification later this year, following the completion of all essential night operation trials.

The flight evaluations, conducted in partnership with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), involved operations with two French Air Force H225M helicopters. The campaign was executed under both day and night conditions over the western coast of France, at altitudes ranging from 1,000 ft to 10,000 ft, and at flight speeds as low as 105 knots. During these flights, a total of 81 wet contacts and the transfer of 6.5 tonnes of fuel were accomplished, including the simultaneous refuelling of two helicopters for the first time. The tests reaffirmed the favorable outcomes of dry and wet contact operations performed in 2019 and 2020.

Helicopter air-to-air refuelling is a distinctive military capability and essential for Special Forces missions, involving aircraft with varying flight profiles while sharing a very confined common flight envelope, necessitating precise formation flying in low altitudes and nighttime conditions.

With this capability, the A400M stands among the select few tanker aircraft globally able to perform such operations. The versatile H225M is also one of the limited helicopters worldwide equipped for in-flight refuelling, extending its standard range of 700 nautical miles by up to 10 hours of flight time.

A400M as a Refuelling Aircraft
The A400M is certified to be rapidly configured as a refuelling aircraft. It can carry up to 50.8 tonnes of fuel in its wings and central wing box, without compromising any cargo space. Additionally, two cargo hold tanks can be installed, each providing an extra 5.7 tonnes of fuel. The distinct cargo-hold tanks facilitate the use of various fuel types, enabling the A400M to meet the requirements of diverse receiver aircraft.

As a refuelling platform, the A400M has already proven its capacity to refuel fighter aircraft like the Eurofighter, Rafale, Tornado, or F/A-18 at their preferred speeds and altitudes. It is also capable of refuelling larger aircraft such as another A400M for buddy refuelling, C295, or C-130.