The Northrop Grumman E-2D airborne early warning and control aircraft has successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling work with three French military types.
The work took place over the summer and saw a US Navy E-2D take fuel from three separate French platforms: the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter; Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport; and A400M tactical transport, says the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The effort sets the stage for the French navy’s eventual replacement of its E-2Cs with the E-2D.
“[France’s DGA defence procurement agency] and the French navy will continue additional aerial refuelling testing and pilot training in France as they replace their E-2Cs beginning in 2028,” says NAVAIR.
France ordered three E-2Ds in 2020. Refuelling from the Rafale is particularly relevant for the E-2D, as this will increase flexibility and safety when French E-2Ds operate from the nation’s sole aircraft, Charles De Gaulle.
The E-2D is equipped with the Lockheed Martin AN/APY-9 active electronically scanned array radar.
NAVAIR says that the radar is effective at surveillance, detection, and tracking against advanced threats such as cruise missiles in a range of environments.
