Airbus C295 Conducted Air-To-Air Refueling Flight Test

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Airbus C295 in tanker flight test campaign

By the end of January 2020, the Airbus C295W tactical airlifter successfully achieved its first wet contacts during an air-to-air (AAR) tanker flight test campaign. First dry contacts of this flight test took place in December 2019 and were achieved using a closed ramp configuration, 100ft hose and remote vision system. The wet contacts, conducted out of Seville/San Pablo (Spain), took place in late January 2020, between one Airbus C295W aircraft in tanker configuration and an Ejército del Aire (EdA, Spanish Air Force) C295M acting as receiver at flight speeds between 100-130 knots.

In total, the C295W fitted with the removable AAR kit (construction number 171), performed five wet contacts transferring a total 1.5 tons of fuel. Tests were conducted in day-light conditions. The flight test campaign also included night flight operations and the successful proximity test in pre-contact position with an EdA EF-18M Hornet fighter aircraft at a flight speed of 210 knots.

The successful tests will expand the C295’s trademark versatility for tactical operations to include refuelling missions for helicopters, transport and fighter aircraft. If the new tanker will be marketed as the KC295W is not known yet. Clearly visible on the photo from Santo Blanquez is the closed ramp with modifications for the refuelling hose and basket and remote vision system.

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