NARANG refueling pod the Rafale

n-flight refueling is a critical strategic capability for today’s fighter missions, increasing both responsiveness and operational flexibility. Traditionally provided by large dedicated tanker aircraft, fighters like the Rafale can also provide this capability, thanks to the Narang refueling pod developed by Safran Aerosystems at its Roche-la- Molière and Plaisir facilities in France. Narang (Nacelle de Ravitaillement en vol de Nouvelle Génération), French for new-generation in-flight refueling pod, is in fact a modern take on the firstgeneration systems developed by the company over 30 years ago, for use on the carrier-borne Etendard and Super- Etendard fighters, then on the naval Rafale.

STRATEGIC CHALLENGES

The ability of the Rafale to refuel other aircraft in flight plays a critical role in France’s ability to deploy its forces in distant theaters of operation. A Rafale fitted with this nacelle and extra fuel tanks can refuel other aircraft so they can fly longer missions before having to land back on the carrier.

While the first type of refueling pod allowed the Rafale to deliver fuel at a rate of 530 liters/minute, the newgeneration system developed by Safran Aerosystems raises this to 750 to 1,000 liters/minute. The main advantage is of course to decrease the time needed for refueling and the associated vulnerability when the two aircraft are flying only about ten meters from each other.

“The refueling pod is a highly complex system,” notes Ludovic Coquille, head of the Narang program at Safran Aerosystems. “Its performance makes it critical during aircraft operations around the aircraft carrier, because of its additional fuel load.”

The pod also adds new functions, including built-in tests and troubleshooting aids, to simplify maintenance.