UK upgrades ground refuelling tankers for military aircraft
A total of 80 LCAR tanker vehicles will be refurbished for the RAF, RN and Army Air Corps. (Photo: DE&S)
The LCAR refuelling tankers used by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps are being upgraded with new components, allowing a service life extension of 15 years.
The tanker vehicles used to refuel UK military aircraft have been refurbished, allowing them to remain in service for 15 more years.
The Large Capacity Aircraft Refueller Life Extension Project (LCAR LEP) is upgrading 80 vehicles to improve deployability, availability and flexibility.
The work is being carried out by Defence Equipment & Support, the RAF and Terberg DTS UK, plus a number of subcontractors including MAN Truck & Bus UK and Tasca Tankers.
14 LCARs have been upgraded redelivered, allowing initial operating capability (IOC) to be achieved.
Air Cdre Simon Young, DE&S head of Air Systems, Equipment & Training said: ‘This project is not only extending the life of these vehicles but, through the upgrades being delivered, will provide a more operationally capable vehicle and one that is safer and easier for our personnel to use and maintain.’
The 20,000l-capacity LCARs supply the bulk of fuel for RAF, RN and British Army aircraft.
Last summer, ground and on-aircraft LCAR LEP refuelling trials were completed with aircraft including Typhoon fighter jets, Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk trainers and Merlin helicopters.
Training packages for operators and maintainers have been rolled out and Terberg is delivering in-service support for the vehicles. Upgrades are due to be completed in 2025.
Alongside LCAR LEP, as part of an overall contract worth up to £50 million over five years, Terberg DTS UK is also upgrading the UK’s fleet of Small Capacity Aircraft Refuellers (SCAR).
This includes replacing the eight current variants with a single 5,000l SCAR type that will mainly be used for refuelling light helicopters and training aircraft.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology]()
Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology
Unmanned systems are powerful intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and communication tools, but are often isolated from wider networks, limiting their potential. Industry is now tackling this challenge, empowering UxVs to act as integrated nodes across domains.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: What has become of the Main Ground Combat System?]()
Eurosatory 2026: What has become of the Main Ground Combat System?
The Main Ground Combat System has had a troubled life. With repeated delays and competition on the horizon, the programme may be approaching the end of the road.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: France seeks strategic autonomy with Long-Range Ground Strike system]()
Eurosatory 2026: France seeks strategic autonomy with Long-Range Ground Strike system
As countries across Europe strive to acquire new multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) off the shelf, France has opted to develop its own to ensure it maintains domestic capability.
-
![“A staggering rate of change”: how experience combating IEDs is being applied to the C-UAS arena]()
“A staggering rate of change”: how experience combating IEDs is being applied to the C-UAS arena
The scale of the current escalation in drone attacks is fuelling demand for C-UAS technology that must address a rapidly evolving and expanding threat. Against this background, important lessons can be learned from the battle against IEDs, with networked responses and dispersed capabilities essential to deliver enduring protection.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?]()
Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?
Oshkosh Defense’s hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle offers the standard benefits of this type in scenarios such as silent watch and silent running as well as providing power for recharging systems. The company is arguing its 115kW power opens other roles too, particularly counter-drone.
-
![Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition]()
Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition
The HIMARS acquisition could deliver launchers within 18 months while driving new investments in Canadian manufacturing, technology and defence supply chains.
