Do I recall correctly that those clever folks that wrote the UK tanker deal get it expressly written that the A-400 in UK would NOT have the abilty to pass fuel?
Seems they feared cancellation/reduced orders for Voyager if the A-400 was a competetor.
Clever lawyers on ther part- very shortsighted of the MoD to sign it. Shamefull. The UK got hosed (pun intended) on that deal.
Not as I understand it. To my knowledge, the MoD's PFI contract is with AirTanker and not the Voyager. AirTanker can use the A400M, if it so wishes. Speaking to folks in the know, the option of AirTanker operating one A400M in the Falklands to free up the Voyager is something that has been considered, but I don't know what came of it.