iscover
A RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport has completed the type’s first operational refuelling of a fighter aircraft using its Aerial Refuelling Boom System.
The boom was used to refuel two US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons of the 480th Fighter Squadron during a mission in the Middle East, Defence announced on August 19.
“The KC-30A is highly regarded by the coalition in-theatre due to its high reliability and excellent hose and drogue refuelling capability,” Commander Air Task Group, Air Commodore Phil Gordon said.
“The introduction of a boom refuelling capability for USAF F-16s further enhances the utility of the KC-30A in the coalition fight against Daesh.
“The flexibility of having both types of air-to-air refuelling systems means the Australian KC-30A can be rapidly re-tasked airborne to support a greater proportion of fighters if their scheduled tanker is unavailable.”
Operational refuelling of the F-16 follows trials with a USAF F-16 in the US last December. The KC-30 has been refuelling RAAF E-7A Wedgetails with its boom on operations in the Middle East since October 2015.
Craigy
says:A tale of 2 tankers. One is delivered with only the hose and drogue capability and the other will be delivered with only the boom capability. In both cases, the additional capability will be delivered late.
dz
says:Fuel Em up and off they go