NARANG refueling pod the Rafale
The Rafale upgraded to the F3-R standard entered service in March 2021, fitted with Narang in-flight refueling pods from Safran Aerosystems. Here’s a closer look at this dedicated system.
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.
At the Roche-le-Molière plant in central France, two Safran Aerosystems technicians work on a Narang pod.
More information on the pods
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CUSTOMERS IN FRANCE AND ABROAD
The French navy certified the Narang’s operability on January 18, 2021, just two months before it entered service on the F3-R standard Rafale. Its first operational deployment was therefore during the Clemenceau mission performed by the Charles-de-Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier during the first half of 2021. To date, this pod has logged some 250 hours of operation. Over the last five months, the navy’s Onboard Air group has carried out operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, supporting Operation Chammal in the fight against terrorism. More Narang pods are slated for delivery in 2021 and 2022, not only for the French navy, but also for Rafale export customers.
Milestones
- 2014
Rafale F3-R standard launched.
- 2019-2022
Start of deliveries in France and abroad. A new 7-year contract from French defense procurement agency DGA for 16 more pods.
- H1 2021
Narang deployed for five months on the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier.
- March 8, 2021
Service entry of Rafale F3-R fighters with Narang pods.
