The M-346 successfully completes its first in-flight refuelling
The nice folks over at Alenia Aermacchi has sent word that the M-346 has carried out its first successful in-flight refueling. Click on the photo for a larger resolution of the picture.
The M-346 successfully completes its first in-flight refueling
Between 24 and 25 January Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, carried out an extensive series of flights to qualify the M-346 advanced trainer for in-flight refueling.
The second M-346 prototype carried out the flight tests with the collaboration and support of the Experimental Test Unit (RSV) of the Italian Air Force, using a Tornado equipped with a buddy pod to assess the in-flight refueling operational capability of the M-346. The tests began with dry contacts, without transferring fuel, and proceeded with full wet contacts in which fuel was transferred.
Both Alenia Aermacchi test pilots, Commanders Cecconello and Bucci, took part in the refueling operations, together with Major Davide Cipelletti of the RSV.
All operations were carried out successfully and safely. The results confirm the excellent handling qualities of the M-346, its high controllability and the correct behavior of the air data system, even in the wake of other aircraft, in all phases of air refueling operations (closing, pre-contact, contact and disconnect). This confirms the maturity level of the flight control system that integrates these functions. The fuel system was also confirmed to work correctly.
Air refueling is universally known as one of the most difficult and “sensitive” conditions for aircraft with Fly by Wire controls, because a successful contact requires, in addition to pilot dexterity, fully harmonized aircraft and engine controls. Because of this, air-refueling tests are often considered the final exam of any new aircraft and its Flight Control System (FCS), and particularly for its control law software.
The air refueling tests successfully carried out in the past days mark a further significant step forward in the M-346 experimental and qualification activity, because they offer positive indications about its aerodynamic behavior and the development of aircraft systems, particularly the FCS. The positive results recorded and the overall program maturity will speed the aircraft on the way to final certification.
Technical notes:
The refueling tests were carried out during two flights, with the collaboration and support of the Experimental Test Unit (RSV) of the Italian Air Force.
The M-346 was configured with two 580-litre under wing fuel tanks and performed:
A series of positioning maneuvers to verify its behavior in close proximity to the tanker aircraft and the drogue-basket unit, specifically to assess the consistency and accuracy of the air data (range and altitude indications, aerodynamic angles)
- Several successful contacts, first “dry” (without transferring fuel) and then “wet” (with fuel transfer).
An Alenia Aermacchi MB339CD, flown by an RSV crew, served as photo and safety chase plane throughout the tests.
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