Projects

Air 5402 - Air to Air Refuelling Capability

Acquisition Contract Contacts

Overview

Airborne refuelling of aircraft provides a military commander with a force-multiplying effect by allowing a fixed number of aircraft to remain airborne longer, carry more ordnance or fly further than would otherwise be the case. Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) is therefore an important capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Since the early 1990's, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has operated four Boeing 707s as tanker aircraft to provide a training and limited operational capability. The aircraft were modified for air to air refuelling under Project Air 5080 by fitting two wing-tip mounted refuelling pods to refuel probe equipped aircraft such as the F/A-18.

The project aims to provide the RAAF with a fleet of five new, state of the art KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTT). This will replace the RAAF’s previous fleet of four Boeing 707 tankers, the last of which retired from service in June 2008. AIR 5402 seeks to replace and enhance the air to air refuelling capabilities of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Acquisition Contract

On 20 December 2004, the Department of Defence signed a $1.4 billion contract with Spanish company, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. (EADS CASA) to provide the Royal Australian Air Force with five new air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The new aircraft, to be known as the KC-30A, will be capable of refuelling F/A-18, F-111, Airborne Early Warning and Control, C-17 and Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, as well as having a significant strategic airlift capability. The Tanker will also refuel other KC-30B Tankers.

The aircraft will be fitted with military communications, navigation and electronic warfare self protection equipment. An aircraft simulator and other training devices will also be provided. The new refuelling aircraft will be based on the Airbus commercial A330 aircraft that is currently operated by Qantas as part of its commercial fleet. The basic A330 aircraft will be produced in Europe, with four of the five being modified and converted into air-to-air refuelling aircraft by Qantas Defence Services (QDS) in Brisbane Australia commencing mid 2008 extending through to 2010.

The second aircraft, first to be converted in Australia, was inducted into QDS in June 2008, with the third aircraft on schedule for delivery to QDS in second quarter 2009. The new KC-30A is scheduled to enter service end 2009, following completion of testing in Australia and military type certification.

KC-30A Proximity Trials with Spanish F/A-18 – January 2008, Madrid Spain
(Photo courtesy of EADS CASA)

The Through Life Support (TLS) contract with Qantas Airways Limited (QAL) was signed on 22 February 2007. The TLS contract becomes effective on formal Commonwealth acceptance of the first KC-30A aircraft and continues for an initial period of five years with provision to be extended up to 20 years or the life of type of the aircraft. The TLS contract includes a performance measurement regime that links payment to performance.

The KC-30A support concept involves a division of activities between the RAAF and the Through Life Support (TLS) contractor – Qantas Airways Limited. In essence, RAAF staff are responsible for operational level maintenance and local supply support, and the TLS contractor is responsible for all other aspects of support.

Project Office Contacts

TOP

For matters directly related to the acquisition of replacement air to air refuelling aircraft,
the point of contact is:

Project Director
AIR 5402 Air to Air Refuelling Project Office
Aerospace Systems Division
R2-2-C146
Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Telephone: 02 6265 2750
Fax:           02 6265 1211
E-mail: AIR5402@defence.gov.au

Last Updated: 10 December 2008

K-30A on the Tarmac June 2007, Madrid Spain (Photo courtesy of EADS CASA)	K-30A First Flight, 15 June 2007, Madrid Spain (Photo courtesy of EADS CASA)

Second KC-30A in QDS Conversion Centre – June 2008