SHAH ALAM: Airbus has successfully completed the certification flight tests for the A400M Cargo Hold Tanks (CHT) refueling unit, taking a new step towards the full certification of the aircraft for air-to-air refueling operations as a tanker.
The campaign, performed together with the Spanish Air Force Test Centre (CLAEX), featured a total of nine flights where 90 tonnes of fuel were dispensed to Spanish Air Force F-18 receivers and to another A400M prototype as a representative heavy aircraft receiver.
The test campaign included the development and certification of the Cargo Hold Tanks with the latest Fuel Quantity Management System software, to be certified during 2019, enhancement of the night refueling vision system and preliminary testing of helicopter air-to-air refueling capabilities.
As previously reported here RMAF has already certified air to air refueling with its three fighters, the Flanker, Hornet and Hawks. The certification of the CHT will go along way in improving the capabilities of the Atlas – four of which are in service with RMAF.
I am not sure whether RMAF has the CHT or if not, whether there is a need for them to buy them. I guess however the more important development of the A400M now is the capability to deploy paratroopers from the aircraft as it was originally envisioned.
At the moment, it still cannot do that, so the Hercules – at least in RMAF service – will remain the principal aircraft for deploying paratroopers in Malaysia. With Airbus ending the production of the A380 airliner, will the latest enhancement to the A400M preserve its future?
In other news, Airbus also confirmed that a RMAF A400M is to take part in the Avalon Airshow in Australia from Feb 25 to Mar. 3.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (6)
Just a random request
For the A400M australian deployment, could they do friendly a stop at Cocos (Keeling) Island and say hi to those folks on the way to or back from australia?
Seems like Malaysia throughout its history has not made any steps to have links with the isolated malay settlement in the middle of the indian ocean.
Not air force, but the navy did a lot of stopover on those islands in the 90s, not sure if they continues this nowadays.
My dad was in the navy he even had a "Mak angkat" on Christmas island, they still kept in touch even now.
"In other news, Airbus also confirmed that a RMAF A400M is to take part in the Avalon Airshow in Australia from Feb 25 to Mar. 3."
All expenses paid for by Airbus?
Reply
Yes likely
@ akays
Great to know that. While Christmas island has quite a bit of people of malaysian origin living and working there, the cocos is rarely visited by malaysians. Most malays living there are workers bought over from malaya way before malaysia gained its independence.
Nice! Do you know if its for static display or for flying demos?
Reply
Based on Airbus social media releases the aircraft is also taking part in the flying displays
Thanks for info. At least the bus drivers gets some flight time and under someone else's expense.