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Two USMC V-22 Osprey Aircraft Refueled Aboard French Navy LHD Tonnerre

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Naval Forces News - France, USA
 
 
 
Two USMC V-22 Osprey Aircraft Refueled Aboard French Navy LHD Tonnerre
 
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) announced that two US Marine Corps V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft conducted a series of "touch and go" and refuelling aboard Mistral class LHD Tonnerre on March 19 2016. While V-22s have been tested with the Mistral class several times to date (they were even officially qualified with the Mistral class last year) it is the first time that a back-to-back refuelling of two Ospreys (with engines running) was performed.
     
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) announced that two US Marine Corps V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft conducted a series of "touch and go" and refuelling aboard Mistral class LHD Tonnerre on March 19 2016. While V-22s have been tested with the Mistral class several times to date (they were even officially qualified with the Mistral class last year) it is the first time that a back-to-back refuelling of two Ospreys (with engines running) was performed.
One of two USMC V-22 Osprey in the recent maneuvers with the Tonnerre LHD.
French Navy picture.
     
This joint maneuver "is a first for the Tonnerre, very few units have this interoperability capability with this type of aircraft," said Captain Sudrat, commander of the LHD. "Our cooperation with the US Navy is based on a very high level of trust, which today's operations contribute to maintain." He added.

"The Americans made the request for this test and had no anxiety in performing these delicate maneuvers with the LHD" confirmed the Lieutenant de Vaisseau (Captain) in charge of the airwing aboard Tonnerre.
     
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) announced that two US Marine Corps V22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft a series of "touch and go" and refuelling aboard Mistral class LHD Tonnerre on March 29 2016. While V22s have been tested with the Mistral class several times now (they were even officially qualified with the Mistral class last year) it is the first time that a back to back refuelling (with engines running) was performed.
One of two USMC V-22 Osprey in the recent maneuvers with the Tonnerre LHD.
French Navy picture.
     
After taking off from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge, in the Red Sea, the V-22s carried out the aviation maneuvers on the first helicopter spot of Tonnerre LHD, reinforced to accommodate heavy helicopters.

In September last year, the French navy declared the V-22 Osprey fully qualified for operational missions to and from the Mistral class. Similar qualifications are expected to take place on board aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Navy Recognition reported earlier this year that the French Navy may be interested in the V-22 Osprey for a carrier onboard delivery role.