The Bell Boeing V-22 Program has successfully completed an initial test of the V-22 Osprey performing as an aerial refueling tanker.
Adding this capability to the tiltrotor aircraft would further advance its versatility in combat, humanitarian and ship-based operations.
The August demonstration took place over north Texas where a V-22 equipped with a prototype aerial refueling 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.
Future Bell Boeing tests will put aircraft in a fuel-receiving position directly behind the V-22, connect receiver aircraft with the refueling drogue and, ultimately, refuel a variety of aircraft in flight.
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