Airbus Defense & Space has admitted that the A400M in its current configuration is not able to refuel helicopters. The ability to refuel helicopters was touted as a key capability for the transport aircraft.
By Ronnie Macdonald (Flickr: Airbus A400M 06) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Helicopter pilots have been able to maneuver into the pre-contact position behind the A400M but wakes from the large airlifter have made it nearly impossible for rotorcraft to hold that position for refueling.
Fernando Alonso, head of Airbus Defense and Space’s military aircraft division, told journalists that helicopter pilots are not able to see the the horizontal tail plane of the A400M from the refueling position.
Alonso explained that one solution is to have 120-150 foot hoses, up from the current 90 foot, but stabilizing the drogue will be difficult.