Luftwaffe A400M equipped with HDU

On 14 November 2023, the Luftwaffe (GAF, German Air Force) took delivery of another Airbus A400M. A normal and planned delivery flight, but this time there was something new to see.

The aircraft, serial 54+44 (c/n 132), was equipped with a third refueling point in addition to the two underwing refueling pods. This third refueling point is also known as a centreline Hose and Drum Unit (HDU) fow which a modification was made to the loading ramp of the transporter.

In November 2016, Airbus demonstrated this capability whilst refueling a second A400M.

Credit photo: Stephan Mühr/Aviation Photography