Cobham to develop V-22 aerial refuelling kit
Courtesy Cobham
Known as V-22 Aerial Refueling System (VARS), the system will utilise Cobham’s existing FR300 Hose Drum Unit with some modifications. The roll-on/roll-off kit will enable the Marines to use their land- and carrier-based MV-22B aircraft to refuel F-35B Lightning II and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, thereby extending their operational range and loiter times.
Design and production of VARS will occur at the Cobham Mission Systems facility in Davenport, Iowa. Deliveries of VARS will commence in 2018, upon completion of rigorous analysis and testing of the system.
Kevin McKeown, Vice President and General Manager of Cobham Mission Systems, said: “With VARS we continue the tradition of providing industry leading aerial refueling capability to war fighters. This programme will enable the Marines to extend the flying range of their fighter aircraft and allow for efficient shipboard operations.”
