EF2000 98+07 'IPA7' performs a flight test with GAF A310 MRTT tanker 10+27 as part of the certification process for air-to-air refueling. 10/21/08 Photo: EADS

10/29/2008 - At the end of October, the test flight series to obtain certification of the single-seater and twin-seater Eurofighter aircraft for air-to-air refuelling from the Airbus A310 MRTT tanker began at Military Air Systems (MAS) in Manching. The first refuelling flights using this tanker model, during which the aircraft were continuously airborne for up to five hours, were performed by the Eurofighter IPA 3 and 7 test aircraft (IPA = Instrumented Production Aircraft).

Certification of Eurofighter for in-flight refuelling from the Airbus tanker aircraft is expected by the end of the year. A total of nine certification flights are planned for this purpose.

Source: EADS Press Release