The Northrop Grumman E-2D airborne early warning and control aircraft has successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling work with three French military types.
The work took place over the summer and saw a US Navy E-2D take fuel from three separate French platforms: the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter; Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport; and A400M tactical transport, says the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The effort sets the stage for the French navy’s eventual replacement of its E-2Cs with the E-2D.
“[France’s DGA defence procurement agency] and the French navy will continue additional aerial refuelling testing and pilot training in France as they replace their E-2Cs beginning in 2028,” says NAVAIR.
France ordered three E-2Ds in 2020. Refuelling from the Rafale is particularly relevant for the E-2D, as this will increase flexibility and safety when French E-2Ds operate from the nation’s sole aircraft, Charles De Gaulle.
The E-2D is equipped with the Lockheed Martin AN/APY-9 active electronically scanned array radar.
NAVAIR says that the radar is effective at surveillance, detection, and tracking against advanced threats such as cruise missiles in a range of environments.
Source link
The Northrop Grumman E-2D airborne early warning and control aircraft has successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling work with three French military types.
The work took place over the summer and saw a US Navy E-2D take fuel from three separate French platforms: the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter; Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport; and A400M tactical transport, says the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The effort sets the stage for the French navy’s eventual replacement of its E-2Cs with the E-2D.
“[France’s DGA defence procurement agency] and the French navy will continue additional aerial refuelling testing and pilot training in France as they replace their E-2Cs beginning in 2028,” says NAVAIR.
France ordered three E-2Ds in 2020. Refuelling from the Rafale is particularly relevant for the E-2D, as this will increase flexibility and safety when French E-2Ds operate from the nation’s sole aircraft, Charles De Gaulle.
The E-2D is equipped with the Lockheed Martin AN/APY-9 active electronically scanned array radar.
NAVAIR says that the radar is effective at surveillance, detection, and tracking against advanced threats such as cruise missiles in a range of environments.
Source link
Share This:
skylinesmecher
Plan the perfect NYC Memorial Day weekend
Pack only what you need and avoid overpacking to streamline the check-in and security screening…
LA’s worst traffic areas and how to avoid them
Consider using alternative routes, such as Sepulveda Boulevard, which runs parallel to the 405 in…
Non-US defence firms gain market share as Trump policies drive diversification away from American suppliers
Aerospace and defence manufacturers outside the United States are riding high on surging interest in…
KLM objects to Schiphol night closure as coalition plans to open Lelystad
Dutch carrier KLM is objecting to a proposed night closure of Amsterdam Schiphol, after the…
KLM chief operating officer steps down as carrier plans faster transformation
KLM is to recruit a new chief operating officer after Maarten Stienen opted to step…
French navy to field new VTOL version of Aliaca surveillance drone
The French navy will field its first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) example of the…
Pilot of crippled skydiving 750XL did not carry own rescue parachute
Swiss investigators have highlighted a prior recommendation that pilots of skydiving aircraft should also wear…
Speed-data entry error preceded 747-400F’s undetected tail-strike
German investigators have disclosed that an Air Atlanta Icelandic Boeing 747-400 freighter captain entered an…
Leonardo’s M-346 demonstrates FITS4TOP networked training technology for EU
Leonardo has led a demonstration of live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training involving its M-346…
USAF debuts EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jet in Europe
The US Air Force’s (USAF’s) new electronic warfare aircraft has made its inaugural appearance in…
Wizz Air discussing transfer of upcoming A321XLRs to ‘another operator’
Wizz Air is discussing transfer of five remaining Airbus A321XLR deliveries to another operator ahead…
Moscow Domodedovo airport to be acquired by rival Sheremetyevo following auction
Moscow Domodedovo airport is to be acquired by an entity linked to the Russian capital’s…