Important Notice:
We regret to inform you that our free phpBB forum hosting service will be discontinued by the end of June 30, 2024.
If you wish to migrate to our paid hosting service, please contact billing@hostonnet.com.
View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject: IAF completes tanker trials |
|
|
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-completes-tanker-trials-366874/
India completes tanker trials
The Indian Air Force has completed its trials of the Airbus Military A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) and Ilyushin IL-78MK.
An Airbus Military spokesman confirmed the trials have been completed. The next stages in the competition will be a trials report and the submission of commercial offers.
The air force conducted both ground trials and flight trials. During the flight trials the IAF tested air-to-air refueling with types such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Sepecat Jaguar. Aircraft handling was also assessed.
Airbus Military said the tests included take-offs and landings at the Himalayan airbase of Leh, at an elevation of 10,682ft (3256m), one of the highest air bases in the world.
As per the requirement, the A330 MRTT used for the trials was equipped with a three point refueling configuration, with a fuselage refueling unit rather than a boom.
India plans to acquire six tankers, although this number could rise.
Although the IAF operates the IL-78MK, a variant of the IL-76 transport, industry sources In India have said that it favors the A330 MRTT as it feels this aircraft offers more flexibility and lower operating costs. In addition to serving as a tanker, the A330 MRTT has a full-sized airliner cabin and large cargo hold.
In Royal Australian Air Force service, the A330 MRTT can carry 270 passengers in its main cabin and 40 tonnes of cargo in its under-floor cargo hold.
India has also favored western suppliers for its major airlift acquisitions in recent years. In 2010 it signed a $4.2 billion dollar deal for 10 Boeing C-17 Globe master III aircraft, the largest ever US-India defence deal.
India has also obtained six Lockheed Martin C-130Js, all of which have been delivered. It is widely expected to exercise its option for six more.
_________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Aseem Member
Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: YYZ
|
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2012 7:09 pm Post subject: |
|
|
buying airlift equipment is a better way of building trust with western suppliers, particularly US. _________________ [url=http://openflights.org/user/aseemsjohri]
[/url] |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|