SimWes, Speedbird48
http://www.defence.gov.au/raaf/organ...rcraft/707.htm
"In the early nineties several Air Force 707s were converted to airto- air tankers at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport. The conversion involved extensive modification of the aircraft’s fuel and avionic systems, and installation of two wingtip pods housing the hose and drogue (basket) used for Air-to-Air refuelling. The modification does not effect the 707s air transport capability, with the refuelling pods being removable to reduce weight and drag on non-tanker missions."
That's it. Thank you very much guys, and thanks PPRuNe! The swept wings, pods with little props and esp the noise level were all consistent with a 707 tanker. I was wrong about the wing position.
Confirmed with a guy at Richmond (the base in New South Wales for the RAAF's tankers). Both times the 707's were on their way west to Perth.
You were spot on SB48- a 707 low, in the evening, seriously big!
Cheers
RJM
PS Trust us to still have the 'old-fashioned type' of tanker. RAAF only retired its Dakotas a few years ago, then there are the F-111's...