Sargent Fletcher's Aerial Refueling Tank System (ART/S) has successfully completed qualification tests on the F-16, and the U.S. company-a subsidiary of the UK's Cobham-has disclosed that the system was ordered by the Israel Defense Force-Air Force (IDF-AF) to equip its F-16s. First deliveries are due next year.

The ART/S is a modified, 370-gallon fuel tank incorporating a retractable refueling probe. With small changes to the fuel system, all tanks on the aircraft can be filled through the probe. The tank weighs only 150 pounds more than a standard tank, and contains 10% less fuel. It makes the F-16 compatible with both hose and boom tankers, without the drag, handling and visibility problems of a fixed probe.

The USAF tested the probe on the NF-16D VISTA aircraft, which happens to have the same aerodynamic shape as Israel's F-16Ds. Lockheed Martin has offered the ART/S in a number of current sales campaigns, according to Sargent Fletcher.

By Bill Sweetman