Airbus Military tanker for RAF performs first contacts with Tornado
An Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK´s Royal Air Force has successfully completed its first contacts with a Tornado fighter.
The two aircraft performed a series of dry contacts, by day and night, in late June / early July during a programme to formally qualify the Tornado to refuel from the FSTA in operational service. Wet contacts, in which fuel is actually passed from the tanker to the receiver, will commence shortly.
During sorties conducted from RAF Boscombe Down with the support of Qinetiq, the Tornado executed contacts with the A330 MRTT´s underwing hose-and-drogue pods at altitudes between 10,000ft and 30,000ft and speeds of 250-325kt.
Source: Airbus Military
Follow Shephard News on Twitter
You may also like
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
