Airbus says the A400M airlifter has successfully demonstrated its air-to-air refuelling capabilities. During a recent flight test campaign, a Spanish air force F/A-18 Hornet made 33 dry and 35 wet contacts with an A400M development aircraft. During the wet contacts 18.6 tonnes of fuel was transferred to the Hornet.
According to Airbus: “The standard A400M aircraft has full provisions for air-to-air Refuelling operations already installed as standard and only requires the rapid installation of the optional air-to-air refuelling kit to become a tanker.”