저속기에 대한 급유능력 실증을 위해 A400M에 버디 급유를 실시한 라팔M

[위종민]

라팔M이 A400M 수송기에 연료를 급유하는 시험을 실시해네요. 

라팔M은 현재 NARANG 급유포드를 이용해 급유를 실시하는데, 현재는 프랑스해군의 E-2C에 공중급유 기능이 없어 라팔 to 라팔 공중급유만 실시했는데, 2027년까지 공중급유기능이 탑재된 E-2D가 인도될 예정이라 E-2D에도 공중급유를 해야 한다고 합니다. 이에 따라 저속 항공기에 대한 급유포드의 성능 검증을 위해 이번 시험을 실시했다고 하네요. 

이 기사상에는 미해군 F/A-18 비행시간의 20~30%가 공중급유에 소요된다고 합니다. 

French Navy Rafale refuels Airbus A400M mid-flight

French Navy Rafale refuels Airbus A400M mid-flight

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

ByClément Charpentreau

November 28, 2024, 15:45 (UTC +3)

Defense

DGA

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. 

RELATEDBoeing demonstrates MQ-25 refueling command by F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot

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. 

[백선호]

앗 뭔가 거꾸로 ㅎㅎ

[위종민]

저도 A400 공중급유기 버전이 있었나 싶었습니다 ㅎㅎ

[백선호]

이 때도 거꾸로 했네요. 영국해군 Sea Vixen FAW1이 영국공군 Valiant B1에 급유합니다.

https://www.naval-history.net/WXMemoirHamilton.htm