A new aerial refueling module with a capacity of up to 7570 liters of fuel per minute is planned for creation in India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has issued a request for proposals for the development of the system.
The project involves the creation of equipment for in-flight refueling of aircraft using the "hose-and-drogue" scheme. This principle is already used on Russian Il-78MKI tanker aircraft. The new system should be suitable for existing and future tanker aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
According to the project requirements, the maximum fuel flow rate should reach 2000 US gallons per minute, which corresponds to approximately 7570 liters per minute. The equipment must operate at altitudes from 3000 to 12,200 meters.
The system will include components necessary for deploying and retracting the refueling hose, transferring fuel, and controlling the refueling process. The design must ensure compatibility with various types of receiver aircraft, allowing one type of equipment to be used for multiple aviation platforms.
DRDO requirements also include reducing the aerodynamic drag of the module, electromechanical drives for hose deployment and retraction, backup power supply, and electronic control systems. The equipment must monitor refueling parameters and detect malfunctions during operation.
Earlier, it was reported that New Delhi plans to create a drone-carrier for missiles for Su-30MKI fighters. The concept is intended to increase the actual range of weapon application without significantly increasing the range of the missile itself.