Refueling Merlin

AgustaWestland conducted air-to-air refueling trials of an AW101 test helicopter earlier this year using a Lockheed Martin C-130J in support of its campaign for the US combat search and rescue helicopter replacement program, known as CSAR-X. Testing began in February using an Italian Air Force C-130J fitted with wing-mounted hose and drogue pods. AgustaWestland used a test helicopter modified with the BERP IV blades fitted to the Royal Air Force’s Merlin Mk.3A helicopters. The BERP IV blades offer improved performance over standard rotor blades. Lockheed Martin, teamed with AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter Textron, is one of three teams recompeting for the now-contentious CSAR-X program. The Air Force is expected to award the CSAR-X contract later this year.