KC-46A completes Wing Aerial Refueling Pod tests
TESTING OF one of the key features of the USAF’s new KC-46A was completed recently at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The resident 412th Test Wing announced on November 21 that the Wing Aerial Refueling Pods (WARPs) had been successfully trialled with an AV-8B, F/A-18D and EA-18G. The WARPs allow the Pegasus to simultaneously refuel two aircraft, compared with the centreline drogue system, which can only refuel one at a time. As fighters routinely arrive in pairs to refuel, the WARP system halves the time the aircraft are away from the fight. Following successful completion of the connections, engineers have a multitude of data to review before it is certified by the Aerial Refueling Certification Agency.
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