VARESE, Italy, July 9 (UPI) -- Flight tests of Alenia Aermacchi's C-27J military transport are being conducted to achieve certification of its in-flight refueling capability.
An Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker is being used in the tests, which also include Rolls Royce and Dowty, who are responsible for the C-27J's engines and propellers.
Alenia Aermacchi said the C-27L was modified with the integration of instrumentation dedicated to controlling the engine parameters, propellers, transfer of fuel and flight controls.
"The flight test conducted had the C-27J perform a series of contacts with the KC-767 at various altitudes between 10.000 and 20.000 feet and speeds up to and near 220 kts, including night flight-refueling with the aid of night vision goggles; in turning pattern, in turbulence and during an emergency descent," the company said.
"The test confirmed the high capability of fuel transfer (as much as 615.9 gallons a minute) predicted in the planning phase, allowing for a complete replenishment of the tanks in only five minutes."
The test, the company said, also demonstrated the aircraft's handling in slipstream turbulence.
