FLIGHT TESTS
As in the case of any modified aircraft of system,
one cannot consider it to be successful, without a proper test
flight program. Naturally, the rigid boom is not a good solu-
tion for small turboprops. Drogue and hose are the way to go
here.
"We engineered a new pod for refueling equipment that is
already military-certified and proven, provided by our team-
mate Northstar, so that its weight and dimensions were suit-
able for this aircraft. The taildragger configuration of the
Thrush made us concerned about the hose interacting with
the tailwheel and control surfaces, so we elected to use a
modular wing pod. Packaging the refueling equipment in a
small pod, and integrating hydraulics and systems, posed a
significant challenge. But our collaborative engineering team
supported by Northstar, IOMAX, Thrush, and Kawak success-
fully designed and flight-tested the first new air refueling sys-
tem in decades, in less than a year. Despite its being slightly
larger, the benefits are worth it to make it more universal for
larger number of aircraft" Chris said.
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