A feasibility evaluation of aerial refueling the Boeing Vertol CH-47D helicopter (USA S/N 84-24159) equipped with a Boeing Vertol designed prototype aerial refueling system was conducted by the US Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity (USAAEFA). The test was conducted at the Boeing Vertol flight test facility in Wilmington, Delaware between 6 and 9 August 1985. Five flights were performed totaling 8 flight hours (4.1 productive hours). Aerial refueling system tests were performed by Boeing Vertol and monitored by USAAEFA prior to the initial refueling system flight evaluation. Aerial refueling operations were performed with an HC-130P tanker aircraft and included a tanker turbulence evaluation, handling qualities while performing refueling procedures, and prototype aerial refueling system operations. Twenty-five refueling probe to drogue engagements were performed. During one engagement, 5070 pounds of fuel were transferred from the tanker to the CH-47D. Six shortcomings, all of which were related to the aerial refueling system, were identified for correction in the production design. The most significant of these was the increased maintenance requirements imposed by the use of refueling probe restraint cables. Within the limited scope of this evaluation aerial refueling of the CH-47D helicopter is a feasible concept.


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