No real fuss, the C-17 and Wedgetail are supposed to be boom capable, they can fly from one side of Australia to the other without the need to refuel.

My understanding was the A330-MRTT was always going to go to the RAAF with pod refuel capability first (i.e. 707 replacement for the F/A-18), and boom capability certified at a later date.

In terms of projects being late, the Wedgetail delays makes the 787 project look fantastic.

... so!
 

what is exactly the delay we are dealing with KC30? when the first plane will be capable of AAR mix in the Australian Airspace?

... and yes i've heard the boom will be for the Aussies too!

Then there is the little issue of where to put the previously not required navigator, since the fitted FMC doesn't appear to have enough memory to manage the refuelling profiles as well as normal flight ops.
Remember, it is just a rumour network......

The aircraft WILL be delivered both fully capable boom and pod refuelling...according to EADS!

330
 

So when are they likely to be delivered and begin operational work...??

woodja

First delivery of two a/c June 2010, then one each in late 2010, 2011 & 2012.

330 delivery
 

FA18 - thanks for that - I heard a 'rumour' that the RAAF was maybe going to use civvies to fly them initially - sounds bit odd to me but anything possible..:bored:

You sound like you have a bit of a handle on the whole thing ...

I am contemplating rejoining after departure from EK maybe next year and was looking at options as far as possibilities go there ( ex 707 tanker QFI with 5000 hours 330.340)

if you can throw any good sites, contacts or info my way appreciated v much.

Is just a thought at this stage but might be nice to get in on the ground floor for a new type etc.. dont need the money that much any more..more after more rewarding flying again.

thanks in advance.

Woodja

woodja51,

You have a very wide background in precisely what the RAAF needs in introducing this new type aircraft, both in airframe type and mission requirements. I would strongly encourage you to make a few calls to your old compatriots that are still in the RAAF of senior rank and inquire where you may be of assistance.

Also, if you want to make a few real bucks, contact Airbus directly. They employ an enormous range of instructors, and field representatives covering many fields of their contracts. You would have a very enviable and salable commodity for them to help make their contract with the Aus Gov successful.

Don't say MRTT, don't say MRTT...

Or KC30b for that matter... Who goes from B to A... really??

Woodja are you really gonna leave us? You will have to get use to that table again.

Think Trigger is the man to chat to.

Don

1st A330 MRTT Wet Contact Through in House Designed Boom
 

http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID24006_600.jpg
(Madrid, October 22, 2009) -- An Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fitted with the Air Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) successfully performed the first in-flight refuelling with two F16s from the Portuguese Air Force on 21st October. This first "wet contact" using the advanced in-house designed boom system demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily. It also validates the fuel transfer capability of the A330 MRTT to receiver planes through this refuelling means, as tested on the ground in early September.

The flight lasted four hours and 30 minutes, during which a total of 13 contacts were performed, with more than 1.5 tonnes of fuel being transferred.

The A330 MRTT used for the exercise is the first for the Royal Australian Air Force, which is due to be handed over to the customer by mid 2010. Flight test of the second A330 MRTT for Australia is progressing well in Brisbane where the aircraft has been modified by Qantas. The third aircraft is already in Brisbane, with conversion work due to start shortly. In total, five have been ordered by the RAAF, with another 23 by three other nations, bringing the total to 28 A330 MRTTs ordered.

The Airbus Military Boom is the most advanced refuelling system available today, and is unique in its kind. Located underneath the rear fuselage of the tanker aircraft, it is remotely controlled from a console in the cockpit, where an operator uses an advanced technology two - three dimensional viewing system. This gives safer operation and a reduced workload for the boom operator, while enabling the tanker crew to be located together. The boom is equipped with a full fly-by-wire flight control system which is unique in its kind, and has demonstrated outstanding handling qualities through the whole envelope.

Refuelling can be done at any altitude up to 35,000 ft while cruising at speeds between 180 and 325 kt, in all weather, day or night, thanks, among others, to its stereoscopic vision and lighting systems. The fuel transfer rate of the boom is up to 1,200 US gal/min (4,500 l/min) at 50 psi. This high rate of transfer greatly reduces the refuelling operation time.

The boom is 17metres long when fully extended. It is equipped with an automatic load alleviation system, has auto-disconnect envelope for each receiver, and has been designed under the back-up concept (fail operational, fail safe). Secure communication is possible though the boom. It requires on-condition maintenance only.

On- Ground refuelling tests through the conventional hose and drogue system had already successfully been conducted in September, transferring more than 200 tonnes of fuel.

Source : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

If anyone's interested:
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/m...0124Medium.jpg

A330 MRTT Performs Wet Hose and Drogue Refuelling Contacts With F-18
 

http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID24449_600.jpg

The Testing Will Continue to Complete Full System Certification

(November 12, 2009) -- The Airbus Military A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) has completed another major milestone performing successfully a series of wet contacts using the new generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods, located under the wings. The receiver aircraft was a Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ fighter.

This first "wet contact" using the advanced new generation pods demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily. It also validates the fuel transfer capability of the A330 MRTT to receiver aircraft through this refuelling means, as tested on the ground in early September and with dry contacts late May.

On- Ground refuelling tests through the conventional hose and drogue system had already successfully been conducted in September, transferring more than 200 metric tonnes of fuel.

With this new achievement the A330MRTT has demonstrated a total tanking capability as both boom and pods have been tested and have transferred fuel in flight. The testing will continue to complete full system certification. This achievement is the initial step to clear the air-to air (AAR) operations for the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, which does implement the pod hose-and-drogue system and does not implement the boom system.

This new refuelling pod is a development of the 907E pod already in service with the Canadian and German air forces on their A310 MRTTs. The pods can each deliver up to 420 US gal/min (1600 litres/min) through a 90 ft (27.4 m) hose, and are controlled from a state-of-the-art Fuel Operator Console located in the cockpit.

During the flight a total of 6 contacts were performed, with more than 4000 kgs of fuel being transferred.

The A330 MRTT used for the exercise is the first for the Royal Australian Air Force, which is due to be handed over to the customer by mid-2010. Flight test of the second A330 MRTT for Australia was finished in Brisbane where the aircraft has been modified by Qantas and flown back to Spain to perform some final test flights jointly with the first one. The third aircraft is already in Brisbane, currently under conversion. In total, five have been ordered by the RAAF, with another 23 by three other nations, bringing the total to 28 A330 MRTTs ordered.

The A330 MRTT has been selected by the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and was chosen last year by the U.S. Air Force for its recapitalization of the service's aging tanker fleet.

Source : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

F/A-18B+ in pic...

One toggle switch? Release and retract? :}

So long as you don't mind joining as a FLTLT on Pay Group 6 (the new "Aircrew sustainability Project" pay scheme)

Yep, woodja, make sure you look at the new OARS pay groups because even though you used to be on the legacy pay grades (10) you will now be employed on pay grade 6. Doesn't look so good anymore does it? That's a massive pay cut.

Another nice picture of the KC-30 doing its thing:
http://leehamnews.files.wordpress.co.../11/mrtt_1.jpg

I can't quite make out that F-16's markings. Can anyone enlighten me?