이스라엘 IAI 社의 767 MMTT 공중급유기 소식...

 

이스라엘 IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.) 계열 Bedek 社에서 개발하고 있는 767 MMTT (Multi Mission Tanker

Transport) 가 초도비행을 성공적으로 마쳤다는 소식입니다.

 

이번 초도비행을 실시한 767 MMTT 기는 1989년 1월 제조된 Boeing 767-200ER (c/n 24157, l/n 253) 기로써, 2009년 5월

Bedek 社가 구입, 남미 Colombia 공군에 인도 예정으로 개조 작업이 진행되어 왔습니다.

 

IAI 社에서 개발한 WARPs (Wing Air Refueling Pods) ARP3 (모델名) 를 주익 양쪽에 장착한 767 MMTT 는 Kfir C.10 

전투기에 대한 공중급유시험을 (실질적인 연료주입은 이루어지지 않았습니다) 포함한 약 3시간50분에 걸친 시험비행을

성공적으로 마쳤다고 합니다.

 

이스라엘 IAI Bedek 社는 2004년 8월, 美 FAA 로부터 민수용 Boeing 767 기종을 대상으로 군용수송기 및 공중급유기로의

개조 승인을 받은 바 있으며, 이번에 Colombia 공군용으로 B767-200MMTT 를 개발한 것 입니다.

 

Flight International 기사 전문과 IAI 社가 제공하는 MMTT 홍보 동영상을 함께 소개합니다.

 

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  ⓒ IAI Bedek

 

DATE : 06/09/10

SOURCE : Flight International

PICTURES : IAI tests Colombia's new 767 tanker

By Arie Egozi

 

Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek unit has conducted a successful series of flight trials involving a modified Boeing 767 tanker for Colombia, and says a lucrative market exists for additional customers.

 

The secondhand 767-200ER has been converted to a new multi-mission tanker/transport (MMTT) configuration for the Colombian air force, with the work having included the installation of ARP3 wing air refuelling pods developed and manufactured by IAI.

 

Conducted in Israel, the recent trials were aimed at expanding the in-flight refuelling envelope of the 767. This included transferring fuel to an upgraded IAI Kfir C10 fighter awaiting delivery to Colombia under a 2007 contract worth more than $150 million.

 

The 767's new refuelling equipment performed "flawlessly", say company test pilots, while contact by the fighter is described as easy, with a "stable hook-up".

 

"The performance and overall stability of the aircraft and the drogues displayed impressive results," says IAI's chief test pilot Ronen Shapira, who also flew behind the modified airliner in a Gulfstream G250 business jet.

 

Capable of carrying a maximum fuel load of 72,500-90,700kg (160,000-200,000lb), one adapted 767 could support 13 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters on a mission with a range of 1,000nm (1,850km), Bedek says.

 

The company sees an opportunity to convert a "meaningful number" of additional 767s for the MMTT mission, which could also include cargo and VIP transport tasks. "This is one of our growth engines in the coming years, with potential sales of $100 million a year," says general manager Eliezer Hattem.

 

Further business could lead to Bedek working with European companies in making aircraft conversions, with Hattem confirming that it has already held talks "with more than one potential partner". IAI has previously offered a 767-based tanker to the Polish air force in collaboration with local firm Bumar.

 

 

  ⓒ IAI Bedek

 

  ⓒ IAI Bedek