An Airbus A400M has successfully refuelled six Spanish Air Force F-18 fighters in a single mission as part of an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) human factors certification flight. The 13 December mission featured a complex series of AAR scenarios such as changes of area, receivers with unknown priorities, and unexpected increases in numbers of receivers. Through multiple contacts the six aircraft simulated a fleet of eight.
The F-18s included the first Spanish operational fighters to be refuelled by the A400M and belonged to the Spanish Air Force Test Centre (CLAEX) and the 12th Operational Wing based at Torrejón.
A total of 11.4 tonnes of fuel was dispensed using both the underwing pods and the centre hose refuelling unit. Certification authorities on board confirmed good results and the flight validated the A400M two-crew cockpit concept for tanker missions.
The attached photos from the mission are copyright of the Spanish Air Force and a video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1XuxCf9YfY&feature=youtu.be
Air France was among the leading winners at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, held in London on September 18, 2026, earning multiple distinctions that highlight the excellence of its products and cust...
RECARO Aircraft Seating is celebrating the 80th anniversary of Scandinavian Airlines with a unique collection of 80 customized RECARO Gaming Nxt chairs created exclusively for the carrier. Repres...
Embraer and Japan Airlines have strengthened their long-standing collaboration through a new multi-year agreement under Embraer’s Pool Program, ensuring continued maintenance, repair, and spare-...
Riga Airport is taking the next step in the development of RIX Airport City by launching, on 22 September, the qualification stage of an international competitive dialogue to select a development part...
