The Hercules family of aircraft has served as the standard for tactical refueling for almost 60 years.

The battle proven C-130 Hercules, produced by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, refuels fixed wing, rotary wing and tilt-rotor aircraft as well as conducts rapid ground refueling. This is my team’s driving force – ensuring we provide the Air Force with all the capabilities it needs to be successful. “This is a critical test milestone for the program as it reinforces the superior capabilities of the HH-60W and its ability to support the Air Force’s combat search and rescue mission. “Air-to-air refueling is a decisive force multiplier and proving this capability on the HH-60W significantly increases the range for the Air Force’s new Jolly Green II,” said Greg Hames, Sikorsky CRH Program Director. Early missions were conducted during daylight hours and testing concluded with a nighttime evaluation using night-vision goggles. “Aerial refueling is essential for the CSAR mission since it greatly extends the operating range of the aircraft and thus allows the unit to extend their rescue capabilities over a larger battlespace,” said Joe Whiteaker, 413th FLTS Combat Rescue Helicopter Flight Chief.Īll aerial refueling tests have been successfully executed, completing flight test requirements and meeting all specifications.

The pilots flew specific maneuvers that help evaluate the level of difficulty for aerial refueling and identify unforeseen hazards. They also monitored the functionality of the systems and gauges to ensure the aircraft received the fuel appropriately with the proper pressures. During the testing period the aircrew and engineers evaluated the helicopter’s ability to connect with the fuel drogue and its handling qualities during the fueling.

Inflight air refueling team ifart patch