HAL, Israel Aerospace to Convert Civil Airliners into Aerial Refuelers

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaborate with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert passenger aircraft into multi-mission tanker transport (MMTT) aircraft in India.

On Wednesday, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

As per a press release, HAL will convert pre-owned civil aircraft, possibly B 767s, into air-refueling aircraft with cargo and transport capabilities.

The Boeing-built B 767 commercial aircraft are considered to have the lowest operating cost per trip of any wide-body airplane. They can be configured as per operator’s requirement – it could be re-fueling, VIP passengers, cargo movement and ISR systems. There will be special cargo doors and built-in pallet capabilities, and there will be passenger seats that can be removed or installed as per the requirement during operations.

The Israel-based company has been converting the B767 into aerial tankers for different military missions, and air-to-air refueling capabilities.