Royal Air Force Typhoons carry out air-to-air refuelling from a German A400M for first time

RAF pilots have carried out air-to-air refuelling with the Atlas A400M both in daylight and at night to perfect the manoeuvre on a different type of aircraft.

Wing Commander Chris Pearson, the RAF Typhoon squadron commander in the Middle East said: "Developing this new capability is extremely important as it adds increased flexibility and agility to our air operations here. Operating together strengthens the coalition collectively."

Pilots from the International Counter Daesh Coalition often carry out air-to-air refuelling using tankers from other contributing nations, calling it Purple Gas. 

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The RAF uses Voyager multi-role transport tankers and regularly refuel the aircraft from other coalition partners in the Middle East.

An RAF Typhoon pilot said: "We are well trained and experienced in refuelling from the Voyager aircraft as operated by the RAF and other nations.

"Refuelling from A400M, however, was different because of subtleties that make a surprisingly big difference, such as refuelling airspeed, hose response and markings, basket size and shape and aircraft lighting at night.

"The German crews were extremely professional, and we enjoy working with them a great deal.”

The Atlas A400M is usually a tactical transport aircraft, however the German Air Force can also configure it for air-to-air refuelling.

RAF Typhoons are part of the international coalition combatting Deash in Iraq and parts of Syria.