Debrief

News briefs from across aviation

Defence News

The RAAF’s 36 Squadron is using the popular DJI Phantom 4 drone to conduct visual inspections of its C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. Using the consumer-level drone, which retails for around $1,100, means 36SQN maintenance personnel can inspect hard-to-access areas of the aircraft, including its 16.8-metre high vertical stabiliser, for paint and surface damage without the need for elevated platforms or climbing through the aircraft. 36SQN operates eight Boeing C-17s from RAAF Base Amberley.

Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lockheed Martin to market the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) – in service with the Royal Australian Air Force as the KC-30A – to potential US defence customers. The companies said on December 4 they were looking at a “broad spectrum of opportunities”, including ways to support critical near-term air-refuelling needs such as a fee-for-service structure to conceptualise the tanker of the future.