The RAAF’s first KC-30 tanker has successfully performed its first “wet contact” inflight refuelling using its ARBS boom, passing fuel to two Portuguese air force F-16s on October 21.
The flight lasted four hours and 30 minutes, during which a total of 13 contacts were performed, with more than 1.5 tonnes of fuel being transferred, Airbus Military announced.
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The test “demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily,” Airbus Military said in a statement.
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