Cobham to Develop Aerial Refuelling Kit for MV-22B Osprey

[HD video below] Cobham has been awarded a contract by the Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office to develop a palletized aerial refuelling system to give the US Marine Corps’ MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft the ability refuel other aircraft while inflight.

Known as V-22 Aerial Refuelling System (VARS), the system will utilize 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 with deliveries expected to commence in 2018.

Kevin McKeown, Vice President and General Manager of Cobham Mission Systems, said, “With VARS we continue the tradition of providing industry leading aerial Refuelling capability to war fighters. This program will enable the Marines to extend the flying range of their fighter aircraft and allow for efficient shipboard operations.”

U.S. Marine Corps Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey Aerial Display @ Farnborough 2012

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