The presentation covers the planning, execution and results of an initial trial to assess the ability of the AW101 helicopter to conduct air-to-air refuelling (AAR) operations.  The Merlin Mk 3 and other variants of the AW101 were designed from the outset with an AAR capability, however, due to a lack of existing customer requirements and suitable tanker assets the capability had not been fully tested.   This situation changed when a version of the AW101 was proposed for the USAF CSAR-X requirement.  As a result, an initial AAR assessment was conducted in the UK by AW Yeovil utilising an RAF Merlin Mk3 helicopter and an Italian Air Force C130J tanker.  Although the trial was limited in scope the complete Merlin AAR system was tested including fuel transfer to maximum all up mass conditions.  Also included in the tests was assessment (during AAR) of an improved rotor system (BERP IV).  The successful trial validated basic AW101 AAR operations as well as providing some unexpected results. In addition, it is believed that this was the first successful AAR by a UK manufactured helicopter.

For more than half a century now, the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) has provided for the world’s aerospace engineers, scientists, technologists and managers, the preeminent forum to present and discuss the latest developments in aeronautics. This remarkable apolitical organization founded by Theodore von Karman and his international colleagues, continues to build on its impressive heritage, to be even more relevant to the global aerospace and aviation industries. This world congress staged biennially by ICAS is the key opportunity for those committed to serving those industries to meet, present, discuss and create opportunities that can only be done in such an international environment.

Taking place on the 13th & 14th April 2011 at the Society’s Headquarters, Aerospace 2011: Funding the Future will focus on Aerospace & Aviation in an Age of Austerity and address how both the civil and defence communities can look to overcome economic uncertainties and grow business in the coming years.

AEROSPACE FOR EUROPE – MORE THAN JUST FLYING

High Value, Low Carbon, Europes Future

The most important multistakeholder high level roundtable congress in Brussels in December 2010.
This is the aerospace event of the year where decision maker of the most leading European industry, politics and research meet.

Change!  Innovation!  Vision 2050!