The A400M has demonstrated that it can deliver fuel to six F/A-18s in a single mission during a recent air-to-air refueling (AAR) human factors certification flight on Dec. 13.
Configured with two underwing pods and a centre hose refuelling unit, Airbus said a total of 11.4 tonnes of fuel was transferred. Although only six fighter jets were involved, the mission simulated the refueling of eight aircraft via multiple contacts.