A Rafale M performs an unprecedented in-flight refueling of an A400M, which was simulating a HAWKEYE E-2D

A French Navy Rafale M (Marine Nationale) fighter jet used the advanced next-generation refueling pod (NARANG) to transfer fuel in flight to a French Air Force (Armée de l’air et de l’espace) A400M heavy transport aircraft during a test.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces’ Flight Test and Expertise Center (DGA) is conducting these tests to assess whether the refueling pod equipped on the Rafale can operate at speeds similar to those of the future HAWKEYE E-2D airborne early warning aircraft during the refueling phase. In this test, the A400M was used to simulate the «low-speed» flight characteristics expected of the HAWKEYE.

To carry out this operation, the refueling Rafale must reach an appropriate speed that ensures the proper functioning of the refueling pod. This speed is crucial for stabilizing the basket that connects the refueling hose to the receiver aircraft’s probe, and also for powering the pumps via a small propeller located at the front of the basket, which spins thanks to the aerodynamic effect of the air. The faster the plane flies, the more energy the propeller generates, ensuring the efficient operation of the entire system.

Rafale M aircraft, equipped with the NARANG capsule, will be able to perform the tanker mission on French aircraft carriers, providing refueling to other Rafale fighters, as well as to Hawkeye early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. This will be especially useful when these aircraft return from a mission and their fuel reserve is insufficient to land safely on the carrier or continue the flight.

See also: Airbus starts thinking of an A330neo MRTT for the early 2030s

Nacelle de Ravitaillement en vol de Nouvelle Génération

The NARANG (Nacelle de Ravitaillement en vol de Nouvelle Génération) refueling module is a Safran Aerosystems development, derived from the pod used on Airbus A330 MRTT tankers. This pod represents a modern version of the first-generation systems that the company developed more than 30 years ago, initially for use on carrier-borne Etendard and Super-Etendard fighters, and later on the naval Rafale.

While the first type of refueling capsule allowed the Rafale to deliver fuel at a rate of 530 liters per minute, the new-generation system developed by Safran Aerosystems increases this capacity to 750-1,000 liters per minute. Its main advantage is a reduction in the time required for refueling and reduced vulnerability, as the two aircraft are flying only about ten meters apart. In addition, the capsule includes new features, such as integrated test and self-diagnostic systems, which facilitate troubleshooting and optimize maintenance.