, VENEGONO Italy: Between 24 and 25 January Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, carried out an extensive series of flights to qualify the M-346 advanced trainer for in-flight refuelling.
The second M-346 prototype carried out the flight tests with the collaboration and support of the Experimental Test Unit (RSV) of the Italian Air Force, using a Tornado equipped with a buddy pod to assess the in-flight refuelling operational capability of the M-346. The tests began with dry contacts, without transferring fuel, and proceeded with full wet contacts in which fuel was transferred.
Both Alenia Aermacchi test pilots, Commanders Cecconello and Bucci, took part in the refuelling operations, together with Major Davide Cipelletti of the RSV.
All operations were carried out successfully and safely. The results confirm the excellent handling qualities of the M-346, its high controllability and the correct behaviour of the air data system, even in the wake of other aircraft, in all phases of air refuelling operations (closing, pre-contact, contact and disconnect). This confirms the maturity level of the flight control system that integrates these functions. The fuel system was also confirmed to work correctly.
Air refuelling is universally known as one of the most difficult and “sensitive” conditions for aircraft with Fly by Wire controls, because a successful contact requires, in addition to pilot dexterity, fully harmonised aircraft and engine controls. Because of this, air-refuelling tests are often considered the final exam of any new aircraft and its Flight Control System (FCS), and particularly for its control law software.
The air refuelling tests successfully carried out in the past days mark a further significant step forward in the M-346 experimental and qualification activity, because they offer positive indications about its aerodynamic behaviour and the development of aircraft systems, particularly the FCS. The positive results recorded and the overall programme maturity will speed the aircraft on the way to final certification.
Background Information
The refuelling tests were carried out during two flights, with the collaboration and support of the Experimental Test Unit (RSV) of the Italian Air Force.
The M-346 was configured with two 580-litre under wing fuel tanks and performed:
–A series of positioning manoeuvres to verify its behaviour in close proximity to the tanker aircraft and the drogue-basket unit, specifically to assess the consistency and accuracy of the air data (range and altitude indications, aerodynamic angles)
— Several successful contacts, first “dry” (without transferring fuel) and then “wet” (with fuel transfer).
An Alenia Aermacchi MB339CD, flown by an RSV crew, served as photo and safety chase plane throughout the tests.
Aermacchi
