RAAF’s multi-role tanker transport aircraft (MRTT), the KC-30A, refuelled from an MRTT from the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) for the first time.

The refuelling took place during Exercise Pitch Black and demonstrated a new level of cooperation between RAAF’s KC-30A and an MRTT operated by the unit based in Eindhoven, Netherlands and Cologne, Germany.

RAAF KC-30A pilot Flight Lieutenant Paul Moylan said the refuelling was part of a large tanker formation flight which included Australia, the United Kingdom and the MMU. 

“We were refuelling a number of fighter jets participating in Exercise Pitch Black, but we also conducted tanker-to-tanker air-to-air refuelling,” Flight Lieutenant Moylan said. 

“Air-to-air refuelling requires aircraft to fly very closely together, which is not normal, especially when both aircraft weigh over 200 tonnes.

'While we regularly refuel other tankers, refuelling another [MRTT] while flying a KC-30A myself was a particularly special moment for me and for the whole MMU.'

“It requires a lot of precision and trust between the refuelling aircraft and the receiving aircraft. We build that trust through common planning, briefings and combined training.

“It was a very satisfying feeling being part of the Australian crew receiving fuel for the first time from [an MMU] MRTT aircraft.”

Flight Lieutenant Simon Becker, MMU MRTT Aircraft First Officer, said the refuelling was not only the first time the MMU had refuelled a RAAF KC-30A, but also the first time the unit had refuelled another MRTT. 

“While we regularly refuel other tankers, refuelling another [MRTT] while flying a KC-30A myself was a particularly special moment for me and for the whole MMU,” Flight Lieutenant Becker said.

“For me, personally, this is the first time I have been to Australia and flown a tanker on such a big exercise.  

“While I haven’t been here before, the MMU has been part of Exercise Pitch Black on two occasions [and] we are very familiar with the operating procedures here in Australia.”