Omega Air 707/F/A-18A-D Aerial Refueling Ground and Flight Test Evaluation and MA-3-1 Coupling Ground Test Evaluation

摘要

Omega Air, Incorporated, a private organization that provides shipping and transportation services, contracted Marconi Flight Systems, Incorporated, to retrofit a Boeing 707 aircraft with an internal centerline aerial refueling (AR) system. In support of this program, NAWCAD Patuxent River, Maryland, was funded under a private party Test and Evaluation Commercial Service Agreement to provide engineering, ground, and flight test support. The AR system used in the 707 is the same system (pump and reel) used, wing-mounted, on the KC-130F/R/T, modified to allow for a centerline installation. The hose and drogue are not the same as on the KC-130F/R/T but have the same form, fit, and function. The 707 airframe is similar to the KC-135 AR platform, which is used by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for AR from a centerline boom and wing refueling pods. Additional piggyback ground tests of an upgrade kit for the MA-2 coupling was performed during the Omega ground tests. Product Support, Incorporated, a Maryland-based supplier of Navy and USAF refueling equipment, developed a new refueling coupling designed to reduce pressure surges in F/A-18 and other Navy/U.S. Marine Corps receiver aircraft. This coupling, designated MA-3-1, is a form, fit, function replacement of the existing KC-130 MA-2 coupling and has undergone full contractor qualification testing. The only test remaining prior to fleet release was a functional ground check with an instrumented receiver aircraft.