Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey Sucessfully Deploys Refueling Equipment

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey aircraft has successfully completed an initial test 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 company said in a statement. 

In the August demonstration over north Texas, 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.

"Adding aerial refueling tanker capability to the V-22 will enable operators to execute a wider variety of missions with greater flexibility and autonomy," said Vince Tobin, Bell Boeing V-22 program director. "This will save time and money by maximizing the efficient use of aircraft and personnel."

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. The V-22 is a combat-proven tiltrotor that can fly horizontally at high speeds and high altitudes like an airplane, and take off and land vertically like a helicopter.