|
Inflight Refueling
Ì-4 inflight refueling from the Ì-4-2 tanker.
 In 1952 "Zvezda" started a program on creation of the aircraft in-flight refueling systems by developing the ÊÀÇ-831 in-flight refueling assembly for the Myasischev Ì-4 (ÇÌ) aircraft.
In 1968 the works on the unified in-flight refueling pod (ÓÏÀÇ) were started in order to provide a system which could refuel all types of aircraft (from a light fighter to heavy transport aircraft). In 1975 the first aircraft equipped with the "UPAZ" were IL-38 antisubmarine warfare aircraft.
|
Tu-95MS inflight refueling.
|
The "UPAZ" is an autonomous refueling pod attached to a tanker aircraft. Using the in-coming airflow energy, it transfers to a refueled aircraft up to 2700 liters of fuel per minute.
Traditionally "Zvezda" uses a probe and drogue refueling system configuration.
|
MiG-31 inflight refueling from the IL-78 tanker.
|
Currently there are 3 refueling pod modifications in operation which are installed in Su-24, Su-27, IL-78, IL-78M to refuel Su-24, Su-27, MiG-29, MiG-31, Tu-95MC, Tu-160, À-50, À-40 and their modifications.
The "Zvezda" developed fuel receptacles (refueling probe with a nozzle assembly) can be adapted to foreign aircraft.
|
Su-27 inflight refueling from the IL-78 tanker.
|
|
Su-24 inflight refueling from the IL-78 tanker.
|
|
