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Bell Boeing V-22 has successful refuelling flight test

Sept. 5, 2013, Patuxent River, Md. – The Bell Boeing V-22 Program, a
strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.and Boeing, has
successfully completed an initial test of the V-22 Osprey performing as
an aerial refuelling tanker. Adding this capability to the tiltrotor aircraft would further advance its versatility in combat, humanitarian and ship-based operations.

In the August demonstration over north Texas, a V-22 equipped with a prototype aerial refuelling system safely deployed, held stable, and retracted the refueling drogue as an F/A-18C and an F/A-18D Hornet flew just behind and to the side of the aircraft.

An F/A-18C Hornet and a Bell Boeing V-22 showcase the prototype aerial refuelling system during a demo flight in late August. Photo: Bell Boeing

“Adding aerial refuelling tanker capability to the V-22 will enable operators to execute a wider variety of missions with greater flexibility and autonomy,” said Vince Tobin, Bell Boeing V-22 program director. “This will save time and money by maximizing the efficient use of aircraft and personnel.”

Future Bell Boeing tests will put aircraft in a fuel-receiving position directly behind the V-22, connect receiver aircraft with the refuelling drogue and, ultimately, refuel a variety of aircraft in flight. The V-22 is a combat-proven tiltrotor that can fly horizontally at high speeds and high altitudes like an airplane, and take off and land vertically like a helicopter.