First UK AAR of Atlas C1

[SLXOwft]

206 Squadron have conducted the first UK AAR of an A400M receiving from a Voyager.

Our test pilots have conducted previous flight test campaigns; however, this is the first with this platform in the UK. The A400M is unique, thanks to its fly-by-wire flight control system. This makes it much easier to maintain formation to make contact and take fuel. This trial has given us the capability to hand over to front line instructors by the end of the year which will enable them to roll out to the remaining A400M Squadrons, 24, 30, and 70 Squadrons at RAF Brize Norton."

Wing Commander Woolven
Officer Commanding 206 Squadron
https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/air-to-air-refuelling-first-for-raf-atlas/

I still think it's a mistake that there is no intention for UK A400's to pass the fuel out the back for another aircraft. I was interested by this story that they can now be used to fill a bag for ground refuelling at a FOB. Atlas develops aircraft refuelling capability (https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/atlas-develops-aircraft-refuelling-capability/) "Once fully matured ALARS will afford Defence a highly flexible and adaptable method of enabling a Forward Air Refuelling Point in future."

[sandiego89]

I still think it's a mistake that there is no intention for UK A400's to pass the fuel out the back for another aircraft......

I seem to recall that the AirTanker lease expressly prohibits the RAF from using other aircraft from delivering fuel in the air. Happy to be corrected. The RAF should be able configure their aircraft any way they want- what a terrible lease in so many ways.

[Sideshow Bob]

I seem to recall that the AirTanker lease expressly prohibits the RAF from using other aircraft from delivering fuel in the air. Happy to be corrected. The RAF should be able configure their aircraft any way they want- what a terrible lease in so many ways.
Absolutely correct, it's what stopped use procuring 3 more Tristars in mid 2000s
(pe the Tristars were going really cheap)

[CAEBr]

I might be wrong, but I thought the AirTanker contract didn't prevent the RAF from using other tankers as such, but included a penalty payment each and every time they did. Much the same end result as they would end up paying twice while compensating AirTanker for a missed opportunity thus giving little desire to extend the A400 capability.