RAF Brize Norton : RSAF Airbus A330-202MRTT

[CoffmanStarter]

Brize have just published some cracking pics of a RSAF A330-202 MRTT ... thought they would be of interest (I assume it was here as part of the Green Flag Ex) :ok:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1234238_586302358082848_88690534_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1157629_586302364749514_1017948030_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/q71/s720x720/1011648_586302361416181_1141555905_n.jpg

Image Credit : RAF Crown Copyright

I understand this RSAF Airbus A330-202MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) is normally based at Riyadh Air Base.

So what are the major differences between this variant and our RAF Voyager ?

I note that there isn't the centreline HDU and can just see what I believe is the winglet of an aerial refuelling boom in the top pic.

So F-15 compatible via the Boom with their Tonka & Typhoons tanking off the under-wing hose and drogue refuelling pods ?

Best ...

Coff.

[ORAC]

Also has an obvious UARRSI.

[CoffmanStarter]

Good spot :ok:

[esscee]

It does not have Trent engines.

[vascodegama]

It is paid for-not hired?

[Cows getting bigger]

Shooting off at a bit of a tangent, I was listening to BFBS this morning (I retired from the RAF quite some time ago but am a creature of habit) and there was a short piece about theVC10 tanker leaving the Falklands very soon.

Nosy question, but where's the Falkland tanking capability going to come from?

[airborne_artist]

It won't be flown by guys who are reserves.

It won't have a pax fit so it can be used for civvy charter work.

[Truck2005]

There were actually 2 of them here. Did not get to hear what they were here for but they did a hell of a lot of shopping, judging by the people buses that were parked beside one of them prior to their departure!!!!!!!!!

[CoffmanStarter]

CGB ...

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/image_zps2f5daa57.jpg

I understand the extra long hose is being delivered next week :ok:

Sorry too good an opportunity to miss :}

[TBM-Legend]

In RSAF service the A330 MRTT is equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. Powered by two general Electric CF6-80E engines, the aircraft is configured with 270 passenger seats.

More or less identical to RAAF KC-30A tankers.

Good idea being able to receive fuel. This is actually a force multiplier..

[airborne_artist]

In RSAF service the A330 MRTT is equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. Powered by two general Electric CF6-80E engines, the aircraft is configured with 270 passenger seats.

More or less identical to RAAF KC-30A tankers.

Good idea being able to receive fuel. This is actually a force multiplier..

I still don't reckon it'll be doing Gatwick-Malaga though ;)

[Easy Street]

A boom and a UARRSI? Why on earth would you want a tanker with either of those? Total waste of money :E.

On second thoughts, perhaps :hmm: is more appropriate.

By the way, do they have to avoid all populated areas in case the boom falls off?

[Onceapilot]

Quote CGB "Nosy question, but where's the Falkland tanking capability going to come from?"
Probably from the RAF's most capable AT/AAR asset?

OAP

[Mk 1]

By the way, do they have to avoid all populated areas in case the boom falls off?

Yes, and presently flight planning requires overland routing only so they can recover and reattach said boom (cheaper that way).

I believe a Mk 2 boom is being developed with floatation gear, autonomous recovery software, an outboard motor and wheels and motor so that the boom will self recover on water and land. This approach was seen as easier to achieve that just fixing the Mk1 boom...:E

[BEagle]

Quote CGB "Nosy question, but where's the Falkland tanking capability going to come from?"

Probably from the RAF's most capable AT/AAR asset?

No, I gather that the plan instead is to send the single hose* 3-engined aerodrome denial device, which will doubtless go U/S as soon as it arrives....






*Yes, I know it has 2 x HDUs but they cannot be used simultaneously, before any spotters chip in!

[servodyne]

Had our lords and masters bought into the global spares package at an early stage and we'd had a little bit more support, the RAF would have a 3 point tanker of the highest quality, Marshalls put out a plan in the early 90's to fit Tristars with 2 and 3 point fits and the cost was extremely low but unfortunately its water under the bridge now!:ugh:

[Cows getting bigger]

Hmmm, if I were a Typhoon driver at MPA, I think I would be making sure that big jugs were fitted.

[stilton]

Does that RSAF Tanker have a cargo door as well ?

[cessnapete]

A TriStar replacing VC10 in Falklands. Last heard of in Brazil due bad weather diversion, should be there by now.

[ORAC]

Marshalls put out a plan in the early 90's to fit Tristars with 2 and 3 point fits and the cost was extremely low
http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/a/a2/Flying_Pig.jpg

[BEagle]

The cost was never qualified; they spent years and lots of cash and never even flew a prototype.....:uhoh:

I recall seeing rather white-faced Marshalls reps who, after flying on a VC10, had suddenly realised that hose whip during rewind was a real possibility - and was something they hadn't considered during their years of abortive design work.....:rolleyes:

Equally successful was the 'glass cockpit' TriShaw.....:ugh:

[servodyne]

Orac / Beagle, I agree the plan seemed a bit far fetched but back then it did get some support, Marshalls had 10 Tristars tee'd up as 2 pointers with 15 year support for 100 million. What we would give if an an option like that appeared now based around a modern airframe, did I hear some one say the B767?

[ORAC]

if you go right back to the start the Tristars, when they were first purchased, it was on the promise that Marshall would fit them with wing pods. It was then discovered it wasn't possible due to the flexible outer wing and active ailerons necessary for gust alleviation.

Unless something had changed over the years I remain sceptical that it could be done at all, let alone cheaply.