That's what clearance trials should identify - it could be a little, it could be significant.

Also, was the full AAR envelope tested, or merely 'heart of the envelope'? In all representative configurations?

The approval process has every right to be cautious for approving release to service and any temporary restrictions which might be applied.

If Voyager arrives without a fully-functioning mission mangement system, I'd be curious as to whether non-rigorous legacy trail management techniques will be re-assessed by the UK MAA. For example, one such 'technique' requires the user to calculate a factor which can be thought of as K = 1/(a-b). Which becomes utterly meaningless when a = b as, in such a case, K = ∞....:\

I just thinking if the RAAF can use a Spanish F-18 to clear using the drogues what's the *&^%$#@ problem? The pods can't be that different and the Typhoon can use the Italian B767s.

Dat, that is nowhere near what has happened. Spanish F-18 was use purely for DT&E for the HDUs and Portuguese F-16 for initial boom trials. These are not clearances.

Once KC-30A arrived in Oz, the Classic OT&E took place. Very intensive through the envelope as Beags described, over 2011-12, I guess. Then the Supers were done and finally cleared about 2 months ago.

This is a long drawn out process to ensure fit for service and safety, not as you suggest.

Quote BEagle
"If Voyager arrives without a fully-functioning mission mangement system, I'd be curious as to whether non-rigorous legacy trail management techniques will be re-assessed by the UK MAA. For example, one such 'technique' requires the user to calculate a factor which can be thought of as K = 1/(a-b). Which becomes utterly meaningless when a = b as, in such a case, K = ∞....http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ies/wibble.gif"

Yes, the "unbelievable" bracket correction!:ooh:
I do hope they can rise to the challenge. The highly paid FSTA lackeys were certainly given all the info they needed to come up with a great solution. Personally, I would always prefer the mental picture and calculations way:)

OAP

Well, not particularly well paid non-FSTA 'lackeys' have developed a reliable trail planning and management system which has been in operational use in other Airbus tankers for several years now. Which does not use the archaic, mathematically non-rigorous methodology of the primitive 'RAPS'.....:ok:

Quite why AiM haven't been more interested in this reliable, combat-proven 'great solution' system already flying in their other tanker-transports? ICATQ! Perhaps 'No inventado aquí'??

RTS
 

RTS today... 1st sorties due Monday with Tornado... allegedly :hmm:

That is good news, now we can say 'AirTanker aims to solve UK tanker shortage'… as we all hoped it would when we handed over all the money.

Really? I'm surprised there's nothing about that on the major aviation websites - or even ATr's own website....:\

Sounds like you dissing PPRune as not being major..............

Whatever. Like some $hit like that, blud.....

Random.

is that chap on the right John Cleese??

No.





.

Good luck to the ATrS Madras tomorrow. No pressure!

Well, how did it go......??

:\

Blimey, it has been a while since 10 Sqn was around. I had forgotten that there were other UK AAR callsigns besides Fagin and Tartan!

AirTanker Cleared To Begin Air-To-Air Refueling Operations

:ok:

I'm surprised that there's no information on the ATr website though.....

Ho-bloody-ray! So now we will see how effective this all singing and dancing money making contract is. Lets see...with those three aircraft, 20 crews and 18hrs a day utilisation they should be able to do everything. Well, thats what it says in this brochure :rolleyes:.

OAP

Very well. More today.

At last ,10 Squadron, an honest job for you as you join a tanker fleet with a tradition of service that goes right back to 214 and it's Valiants and which I am sure you will make every effort to maintain though I am glad to be well clear of all that new organisation. Good Luck

Art: As a taxpayer, I'm delighted to hear news of the long-delayed AAR release but I'd also slip in a reminder that 10 Sqn's history in its AT role goes back a little further to May 1945 when the assets of 4 Group were transferred to Transport Command, and continued with service in India and Burma and on to the Berlin Airlift.

10 Sqn flew in the AT/AAR role from 1993-2005, including operational service, so are hardly new to the AAR role!