The French Air Force has successfully completed a series of test flights on a Caracal aircraft from the Escadron d’Hélicoptères (EH) 1/67 Pyrénées, in Africa and two MC-130J Hercules tankers from the US Air Force (USAF).

The test evaluated the in-flight refuelling capabilities of 14 helicopter pilots, qualifying them for the procedure.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Additionally, the forces certified seven pilots for night time refuelling, marking a first in history.

"The latest in-flight refuelling milestone is expected to open up new possibilities for combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) and special operation missions."

The latest in-flight refuelling milestone is expected to open up new possibilities for combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) and special operation missions.

Last November, the French Air Force achieved a milestone after a US Marine Corps (USAMC) KC-130 tanker refuelled its Caracal aircraft, marking the first operational in-flight refuelling of the French helicopter.

During the procedure, a USMC C-130 Hercules transport aircraft refuelled a Caracal EC725 helicopter, which belonged to the 1/67 ‘Pyrénées’ squadron.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Airbus Helicopters’ EC725 is a long-range tactical transport helicopter designed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, combat search and rescue, maritime surveillance, humanitarian support, medical evacuation and shipborne missions.

The helicopter is equipped with a modern digital cockpit, a four-axis autopilot, and a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor landings and takeoffs in confined landing sites and during loading / unloading on the ground while the rotor is turning.