RAAF KC-30A completes first flight in service

KC-30A A39-002 taxis before take off at RAAF Base Amberley. (Dept of Defence)

The Airbus Military KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has completed its first flight in RAAF service, after undertaking a two hour, 45 minute sortie from RAAF Amberley on September 16.

KC-30A A39-002 departed Amberley at approximately 10:40am on Friday, flying over Roma and the Sunshine Coast before returning later that afternoon. Eight personnel were on board to check aircraft systems and crew operating procedures.

Two KC-30s have been delivered to Amberley based 33SQN so far, a further two are due to arrive by the end of this year, and the fifth and final tanker is currently undergoing conversion with Qantas Defence Services at Brisbane Airport for delivery to the RAAF in 2012. The KC-30s will be used for an extensive operational test and evaluation (OT&E) flying program leading to IOC, which is expected in late 2012.