Defence

Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek subsidiary expects to begin flight tests of a new line of in-flight refuelling systems later this year, following a strategic decision by its parent company to invest in technologies needed to support operations of both manned and unmanned aircraft, writes Arie Egozi.

One product will be based on a tanker-transport conversion of the Boeing 767, with Bedek already working to define a detailed concept. A second programme, being pursued in co-operation with Gulfstream, will use a modified G550 business jet as a small, agile tanker capable of simultaneously refuelling a number of aircraft. The latter platform will be capable of carrying a fuel load of 24,900kg (55,000lb).