FIVE NEW TANKERS

By Graham Davis and Andrew Stackpool

Airbus Refueller Animation
(MPEG Video 2.61 MB)

Artist’s impression of the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft refuelling a fighter.

NO. 33 Squadron will get five A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft to replace its three ageing B707s under a $2 billion package.

The A330 is a militarised version of the A-300 Airbus and will be capable of refuelling the F/A-18, F-111, AEW&C and Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. It is planned for the five new aircraft to enter service from 2007.

When not involved in refuelling operations the aircraft will provide significant strategic airlift capacity. They will be capable of carrying 293 passengers as well as cargo.

At a media conference on April 16 to announce the new acquisition, CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston said, "We are very happy with the decision. It is great day for the RAAF."

AIRMSHL Houston said 33SQN would convert from their existing 707s to the new aircraft.

The A330s will be fully integrated with no need to add fuel bladders or tanks.

The aircraft will be fitted with an Electronic Warfare Self Protection suite for defence against shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. The tender for the aircraft also calls for a hospital bed kit for emergency medical evacuations and advanced simulators for crew training.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the new aircraft would have both the "boom" and "probe and drogue" systems of refuelling.

The basic aircraft will be constructed in Europe by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). Four of the five will have refuelling modifications done by Qantas in Brisbane. Qantas Defence Services will conduct through-life support of the aircraft in Australia.

The contract for the aircraft will be signed with EADS later this year.

Senator Hill stressed the importance of the flexible capabilities of the new aircraft.

"Recent experiences have shown the vital importance of this type of aircraft as a force multiplier during combat operations," Senator Hill said.

"This was borne out by the extremely valuable work done by the Air Force's B707 tankers over Afghanistan during the war on terrorism and by the high demand for aerial refuelling during the recent Iraqi Freedom operations."

He said the acquisition of the multi-role tanker transport aircraft would "provide a big boost to operational capabilities".

For example, one aircraft would enable the non-stop deployment of six F/A-18s from Darwin to Butterworth in Malaysia, while carrying 43 tonnes of support equipment and stores, he said.

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