RAF`s new tanker - picture, page 1

given the on going debacle in the USA - i`ll post the new RAF tanker (yes the A330 based one which the USAF should get)



www.defense-aerospace.com...

TOULOUSE, France --- AirTanker is delighted to report that the first of the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) successfully completed its maiden flight today, in accordance with the requirements of the programme.

and it looks like they will be delieverd on time and to budget - a shock in this day and age with EADS

[edit on 7/6/09 by Harlequin]

reply to post by foxhoundone

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well yes , and maybe on that note the USAF shouldn`t get the 767 either since they crash or the 777 because the fuel freezes.

reply to post by Harlequin

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Why is there passenger windows on a tanker?

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--Watcher

reply to post by muzzleflash

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your right matey aeroplanes cost big money, but they are very big employers too, and happy employee"s VOTE, not to mention creating more employment and money in the system,,

Yeah the Aussie A330 is complete IIRC.

www.airliners.net...

The first aircraft is being modified in Spain, while the second is being modfied by Qantas in Brisbane, with a boatload of parts produced in Brisbane and Melbourne. IOC is scheduled to be mid 2010 while FOC will be in mid 2011. The RAAF pilots are being trained by QANTAS, IIRC maintainence is, too. Interesting how it has direct infrared countermeasures - but because of U.S export policy they can no longer fit them in Spain, instead they have to do it in the U.S, Brisbane, or Amberley.

Funny how the Americans will call it KC-45, we call it KC-30A. How effective is DIRCM anyway, as compared to flares?


Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) AH-64D Apache.

It shines a laser in the missiles eyes.... same system as on the KC-30. Supposed to go on Block 5 (or 7?) F-35 too.

aviationweek.typepad.com...

www.dsto.defence.gov.au...

remember that film when britain freezes over and the RAF are dispatched to balmoral scotland to pick up the royal family,
all 3 super PUMAs fuel lines froze an they came down, if my memory hold me well they stated that fuel/hydraulic lines freeze at -90ds ???

No.

en.wikipedia.org...

and it looks like they will be delieverd on time and to budget - a shock in this day and age with EADS

The first Aussie one was delayed 6 - 9 months, will be delivered Q4 2009. Given we only had 4 707 tankers (retired in 2008) previously, 5 A330's should be a massive improvement.

[edit on 7/6/2009 by C0bzz]

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