RAF Brize Norton : RSAF Airbus A330-202MRTT
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RAF Brize Norton : RSAF Airbus A330-202MRTT
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) 
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.
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.
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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?
Nosy question, but where's the Falkland tanking capability going to come from?
Last edited by Cows getting bigger; 3rd Sep 2013 at 15:48.
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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!!!!!!!!!
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CGB ...
I understand the extra long hose is being delivered next week
Sorry too good an opportunity to miss
I understand the extra long hose is being delivered next week
Sorry too good an opportunity to miss
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 3rd Sep 2013 at 16:08.
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..
More or less identical to RAAF KC-30A tankers.
Good idea being able to receive fuel. This is actually a force multiplier..
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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..
More or less identical to RAAF KC-30A tankers.
Good idea being able to receive fuel. This is actually a force multiplier..
A boom and a UARRSI? Why on earth would you want a tanker with either of those? Total waste of money 
.
On second thoughts, perhaps
is more appropriate.
By the way, do they have to avoid all populated areas in case the boom falls off?
.On second thoughts, perhaps
is more appropriate.By the way, do they have to avoid all populated areas in case the boom falls off?
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...
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?
Probably from the RAF's most capable AT/AAR asset?
*Yes, I know it has 2 x HDUs but they cannot be used simultaneously, before any spotters chip in!
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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!
