Prueba existosa de REVO con el KF-21

 

El prototipo KF-21 realiza con éxito la primera prueba de repostaje en vuelo

El avión KC-30 MRTT realiza reabastecimiento de combustible en el aire al avión KF-21 (fotos: DAPA)

Seúl (Yonhap) -- El avión de combate de Corea del Sur en desarrollo se sometió con éxito a su primera prueba de reabastecimiento aéreo el martes, dijo la agencia de adquisición de armas del país, en un paso importante hacia la verificación de las capacidades del caza avanzado para operaciones de largo alcance.

Un avión cisterna KC-330 de la Fuerza Aérea repostó combustible a un prototipo KF-21 en aguas frente a la costa sur después de que el caza despegara de una base aérea en Sacheon, a 296 kilómetros al sureste de Seúl, según la Administración del Programa de Adquisiciones de Defensa (DAPA).

Durante las pruebas, el petrolero conectó su pluma volante al prototipo KF-21 No. 1. 5 para transferir combustible, dijo DAPA, señalando que se espera que una sesión de repostaje amplíe el rango operativo del avión en al menos un 50 por ciento.

"El reabastecimiento de combustible en vuelo es una capacidad crítica para los aviones de combate modernos", dijo DAPA en un comunicado. "Esto puede ampliar el alcance y el tiempo operativo del KF-21 para maximizar las capacidades de combate de la Fuerza Aérea, como en misiones de largo alcance".

DAPA dijo que planea continuar probando las capacidades de reabastecimiento aéreo del KF-21 en varias altitudes y velocidades de vuelo.

Corea del Sur lanzó el proyecto de desarrollo KF-21 en 2015 junto con Indonesia para desarrollar un caza supersónico que reemplace la envejecida flota de aviones F-4 y F-5 de la Fuerza Aérea.

Se han construido un total de seis prototipos y está previsto que el primer modelo de producción se entregue a la Fuerza Aérea en la segunda mitad de 2026.

( Yonhap )

Airbus A330 MRTT ya tiene un sistema de autoreabastecimiento en vuelo

Airbus A330 MRTT Auto Refuelling System Completes Development Phase

MRTT with RSAF F-16D (photo : Airbus)

Tanking goes automatic

In-flight refuelling operations are among the most demanding missions. Both the tanker and receiver pilots need to operate in close formation, flying aircraft with different flight envelopes and ranging speeds, in day-and-night and all weather conditions, and above the battlefield…. There are many factors that are unpredictable and could put the missions at risk.

The Airbus A330MRTT has a solid track record providing safe operational services to its customer base and other allies like the USAF. The Airbus aircraft gained its reputation as a tanker after seeing action in the Middle East supporting coalition war fighters during Operation Shader and Okra against Daesh, with interoperability, mission success and availability rates as a highlight of its performance.

But for Airbus’ engineers, the road to success does not end here. They envisaged a new chapter where, under the name of SMART MRTT, the multirole tanker gained a new set of game-changing capabilities including enhanced maintenance solutions and the ability to carry out fully automated aerial refuelling operations.

The automatic refuelling system was called A3R and the idea behind it was clear: reduce air refuelling operator (ARO) workload, improve safety and optimise the rate of air-to-air refuelling (AAR) transfer in operational conditions to maximise aerial superiority. Everything at the ‘simple’ push of a bottom.


Two RSAF A330MRTTs during trials in Singapore (photo : Airbus)

Revealed to the public in 2018, the A3R has met every milestone, including several aeronautic ‘world firsts’ such as the first automated contacts. In a joint operation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) an Airbus’ A310 company development tanker performed seven automatic contacts with a RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport. More recently, in 2020, Airbus announced the first ever fully automatic refuelling operation with a boom system. The flight test campaign involved an Airbus A310 tanker testbed aircraft with an F-16 fighter aircraft of the Portuguese Air Force acting as a receiver.

2020 also saw the announcement by Airbus to collaborate with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to develop the A330 SMART MRTT programme. Singapore became a key partner for the new automated aerial refuelling capabilities and under the agreement, an RSAF A330 MRTT took part in the development, flight test campaign and final certification programme.

Successful trials in Singapore

Now the A3R has taken another important leap towards certification with the completion of the development phase after a successful flight test campaign.

The trials, performed with the RSAF and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), took place in Singapore in early 2021. It marked participation of an A3R-equipped RSAF A330 MRTT acting as tanker and several receivers from the RSAF, including another A330 MRTT and fighter aircraft like the F-16 and F-15SG.




A330 SMART MRTT (image : Airbus)

During the trial, a total of 88 fully automated dry and wet contacts and transfers of nearly 30 tonnes of fuel were successfully executed, including the first fully automated operations with another A330 MRTT and RSAF F-16D/F-16D+ receivers.

All tests required for A3R Data Gathering with the F-15SG, including operational flights to demonstrate the A3R performances in a mission representative scenario were also completed.

Luis Miguel Hernández, Airbus SMART MRTT Manager, said: ‘We had the opportunity to test our system with different receiver types ensuring the right fit of our systems, while gathering extensive data key to completing the A3R development. The team were able to test the limits of the system successfully, verifying its robustness and ability to automatically track receivers with varying configurations’.

Key to the mission success was the excellent cooperation with the RSAF and DSTA. ‘We have built an extraordinary relationship based on mutual trust. Teams from all sides worked as a single unit during the test campaign and it is always a pleasure to fly with such a professional crew. They are the first partner nation involved in the development of the SMART MRTT, and we are honoured to have them on board’, added Hernandez.


(Airbus

Primer reabastecimiento en vuelo de un P-8A australiano

Air-to-Air Refuelling a First

In a first, a RAAF KC-30A refuels a P-8A Poseidon (photo : Aus DoD)


The RAAF P-8A Poseidon fleet has taken a step towards full operational capability with one of the surveillance aircraft completing the first air-to-air refuelling with a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport.

The two aircraft undertook seven refuelling flights from September 22 to October 1, with the KC-30A leaving its home base of RAAF Amberley and meeting up with the P-8A Poseidon from RAAF Base Edinburgh’s No. 92 Wing.

Using the 11-metre advanced refuelling boom system mounted on the KC-30A, the refuelling contact between the two aircraft was made in the designated training airspace off the coast of Queensland.

Captain of the P-8A Poseidon Squadron Leader Chris Godfrey said extensive planning was the key to the success of the missions.

“The execution of air-to-air refuelling requires extensive planning and training in both the simulator and airborne environment,” Squadron Leader Godfrey said.

“This included rigorous training scenarios to ensure we were ready for the demanding aerial refuelling flights.”

During the refuelling missions, crews of both aircraft had to ensure the connections between the aircraft were precise to allow for the transfer of fuel.

On the ground, communications between No. 92 Wing and No. 33 Squadron aircrew also was key to the success of the flights.

“Fundamentally, it’s a team effort both in the air and on the ground,” Squadron Leader Godfrey said.

“This included our No. 11 Squadron maintenance personnel who worked long hours over the past couple of months to ensure the serviceability of the aircraft for the aerial refuelling flights.

“I was incredibly proud to play a part in the mission and operate within such an effective and focused team.”

Officer Commanding No. 92 Wing Group Captain John Grime said the missions were an important capability outcome.

“The missions represent a significant achievement for the RAAF P-8A fleet on our path to final operational capability,” Group Captain Grime said.

“It enhances the existing operational effectiveness of the aircraft’s long-range surveillance capabilities, extending the endurance and radius of action of the platform.”

The collaborative efforts of No. 92 and 86 Wings played a significant role in the mission’s success.

“The strong partnership with No. 33 Squadron’s KC-30A team demonstrates our ability to integrate fifth-generation capabilities and strengthens our air power contribution for the joint force,” Group Captain John Grime said.

Officer Commanding No. 86 Squadron Group Captain Anthony Bull said RAAF KC-30A crews had previously completed refuelling trials with United States Navy P-8As.

“Adding RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon to our scope of support reinforces the value of the KC-30A in the battlespace,” Group Captain Bull said.

“It delivers an extremely agile capability across multiple platforms in support of operations at home and abroad.”

To further enhance the training outcomes of the mission, an Air Combat Group AAA Learjet acted as the photographic chase aircraft capturing the historic air-to-air refuelling missions.


Ministerio de defensa de Australia

Caracal se puede reabastecer con Hercules

Certificación de REVO entre las aeronaves H-36 Caracal y KC-130 Hércules

Seguranca e Defesa

En el período entre el 13 y el 21 de diciembre, la Fuerza Aérea Brasileña (FAB) inició una primera etapa del proceso de certificación de operaciones de REVO (reabastecimiento en vuelo) entre las aeronaves: H-36 Caracal y KC-130 Hércules. El proceso será ejecutado por el Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Aeroespacial (DCTA) a partir del Ala 11, antigua Base Aérea del Galeão, en Río de Janeiro. En la foto (Cecomsaer / Sgt. Johnson Barros), uno de los ocho H-36 de la FAB dotados de sonda para REVO.

Australia entrena con P-8A y KC-30

RAAF KC-30 Conducts P-8A Refuelling Trials

RAAF KC-30A refuelling US Navy P-8A Poseidons

An RAAF KC-30A MRTT has returned from a six week detachment to NAS Patuxent River in Maryland where it conducted a series of air-to-air refuelling trials with US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidons.

From February 27 to Aril 14, the KC-30 along with members of 33SQN and the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) undertook the clearance trials with the US Navy’s P-8A Integrated Test Team from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Zero (VX-20).

The clearance test were conducted in preparation for the commencement of RAAF P-8A refuelling operations back in Australia.

ADBR

Indonesia evalúa propuestos REVO

Indonesia Puts KC-46A Pegasus, Airbus A330 in Frame for Aerial Tanker Requirement

Boeing KC-46A Pegasus based on Boeing 767. Indonesia is studying the Boeing KC-46A, and the Airbus A330 MRTT to improve its aerial refuelling capabilities. Programme is expected to be the next major logistics aircraft acquisition undertaking after the Airbus A400M

The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara) has begun a study to expand the service’s aerial refuelling capabilities, with a view on establishing a formal acquisition programme for two airframes by 2024, a TNI-AU official told Jane’s on 18 January.

The aircraft types that are being compared in this study are the A330 multirole tanker-transport (MRTT) from Airbus, and what the Indonesians allude to as a militarised version of the Boeing 767 tanker, in reference to the KC-46A Pegasus.

Issues that will be scrutinised in the study include suitability for Indonesian operational requirements, compatibility of refuelling methods with the TNI-AU’s fleet of aircraft, interoperability with existing and future assets, and life-cycle costs.

Airbus A330 MRTT

Also to be considered are possible local and foreign funding options that can be tapped upon, and potential for transfer-of-technology arrangements with local companies such as state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTD), said the TNI-AU official.

A completion of this study will then pave the way for a definition of programme parameters, and the TNI-AU is expected to launch a formal acquisition programme, and funding request from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, in the 2020–24 timeframe.

Prior to June 2015, the TNI-AU operated a fleet of two pod-equipped KC-130Bs, which were delivered in the early 1960s. One of these aircraft crashed in Medan on 30 June of that year after developing engine troubles, and since then the TNI-AU has had to rely on a single airframe of the type for its aerial refueling needs. The sole KC-130B is currently stationed with the TNI-AU’s Aviation Squadron 32 at the Abdul Rachman Saleh airbase in Malang.

Jane's

KC-130 modernizado en FAdeA visitado por Macri

Macri visitó el nuevo Hércules KC-130, adaptado con una técnica estadounidense
El Presidente se trasladó a El Palomar para recorrer la nave modernizada en la Fábrica Argentina de Aviones en Córdoba. 
El Cronista



Macri visitó el nuevo Hércules KC-130, adaptado con una técnica estadounidense

El presidente Mauricio Macri encabezó hoy el acto de presentación de un avión Hércules KC-130 de la Fuerza Aérea, que fue sometido a un programa integral de modernización en la Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (Fadea), en Córdoba.

La ceremonia se llevó a cabo esta mañana en la Primera Brigada Aérea, con asiento en la localidad bonaerense de El Palomar, con la participación del ministro de Defensa, Julio Martínez, del jefe de la Fuerza Aérea, brigadier Enrique Víctor Amrein y otras autoridades.

Allí, el jefe de Estado fue interiorizado por tres aviadores de la Fuerza Aérea que operan ese tipo de naves y cumplen misiones humanitarias en diferentes regiones del mundo y, además, observó los detalles de remodelación del aparato, según informó Presidencia a través de un comunicado.

Según se indicó, la Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brigadier San Martín” (FADEA) modernizó la nave mediante procesos totalmente nacionales que permitieron hacer más eficientes los plazos y completar las tareas en diez meses, adaptando una técnica que proporcionó los Estados Unidos.

#Hércules C130 TC61 el primero modernizado íntegramente en @fadea_oficial_ https://t.co/xzUdRPY5tL pic.twitter.com/oOa4usxZP5

— Ministerio Defensa (@MindefArg) 12 de junio de 2017

Además, se informó oficialmente que otros tres Hércules, con capacidades de 20 toneladas, serán sometidos en los próximos meses a los mismos métodos de actualización de sus funciones operativas.

Los trabajos en el TC-61, que ya cumplió una misión a la Antártida, incluyeron la integración de sistemas digitales de comunicación, navegación, digitalización de la información en cabina, la modificación del cableado y la instalación de un nuevo sistema de aire acondicionado.

El proceso de incorporación e instalación de nuevos equipamientos involucró a más de 150 técnicos e ingenieros propios.
Entre las misiones aéreas que realizan los C-130 se destacan las de carácter humanitario, como las que cumplió para llevar asistencia a los damnificados por el alud que afectó en marzo localidades de Jujuy y por las inundaciones de abril en Comodoro Rivadavia, además de intervenir en catástrofes naturales en Ecuador y Perú; así como también participan en las misiones antárticas gracias a su capacidad de operar con temperaturas ambientales de hasta 45 grados bajo cero.

Los Hércules realizan más de 100 cruces por campaña desde Río Gallegos a las bases argentinas para abastecerlas con combustible y alimentos.

También intervienen en el traslado de efectivos militares y fuerzas de seguridad, carga y descargas, evacuación médica, búsqueda y rescate, misiones de paz y diurnas y nocturnas en zonas de conflictos bélicos, y lanzamiento de paracaidistas.

Durante su visita de hoy, el jefe de Estado mantuvo una charla con tres pilotos que operan los Hércules y que habitualmente participan en distintas misiones, tanto para abastecer a las dotaciones que cumplen misiones científicas en la Antártida Argentina como en acciones humanitarias.

Estuve en el Hércules TC 61, remodelado íntegramente en el país pic.twitter.com/oIlyxFD6KV

— Mauricio Macri (@mauriciomacri) 12 de junio de 2017

Se trata del jefe de Operaciones de la 1era. Brigada Aérea, vicecomodoro Daniel Máspero, que cuenta con un historial que supera los 250 cruces a las bases antárticas y desde 2001 vuela el C-130; el jefe del Escuadrón 1 de los C-130, mayor Franco Paglione, que vuela desde 2005 y es piloto instructor, posee más de 120 cruces a las bases antárticas y numerosas misiones humanitarias; y con el encargado de Unidad de la I Brigada Aérea, Raúl Vicente, quien pilotea el C-130 desde 1991 y tiene más de 100 cruces a la Antártida.

Empresas europeas mantienen los KC-30A australianos

Northrop Grumman Partners with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance on Australian KC-30A Through-Life Support Program

Airbus KC-30A (A330-203MRTT) of the RAAF

SYDNEY, Australia – Northrop Grumman Integrated Defence Services (IDS), a fully-owned Australian subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), has signed an agreement with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) for the provision of services in support of the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. Northrop Grumman IDS is the prime contractor for MRTT Through-Life Support (TLS).

“We are excited to have reached this agreement with AFI KLM E&M,” said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia. “Partnerships such as this are an important way for Northrop Grumman to support the Australian Department of Defence’s ‘smart buyer’ philosophy. By leveraging huge commercial supply chains and expertise in order to provide competitive pricing for MRTT maintenance, this agreement will increase the program’s value and effectiveness.”

Airbus KC-30A (A330-203MRTT) of the RAAF 

The agreement will provide the Australian MRTT program with improved access to an experienced, world-class aftermarket organisation. As a result, Northrop Grumman will also have increased access to a worldwide network and a more streamlined process of materiel management solutions leveraging AFI KLM E&M’s global expertise and footprint.

“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership,” said John Parker, vice president and general manager, global logistics and modernization division, Northrop Grumman Technology Services. “With the support of AFI KLM E&M, Northrop Grumman will be even more equipped to execute unparalleled program performance and quality for the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A MRTT fleet.”

Airbus KC-30A (A330-203MRTT) of the RAAF 

“The opportunity to work with Northrop Grumman on the Australian MRTT program is very significant for AFI KLM E&M,” said Fabrice Defrance, senior vice president Commercial, AFI KLM E&M. “We are looking forward to providing the Australian MRTT program with access to our expertise in maintaining new generation and wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A330, the airframe on which the MRTT is based. Our acknowledged expertise on aircraft components and engine support, which combined with Northrop Grumman’s experience in maintenance and systems engineering will provide the Australian government with excellent value in support of the MRTT program.”

The agreement will see AFI KLM E&M provide services to Northrop Grumman, including aircraft component, auxiliary power unit and CF6 80-E1 engine test, repair and overhaul services; ready access to line replaceable unit loans and exchanges; and global line station logistics solutions. It also allows for future extension of support services and general maintenance of other aircraft types.

Airbus KC-30A (A330-203MRTT) of the RAAF

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 14,000, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure and thrust reverser support, as well as the management, repair and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 1,500 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.www.afiklmem.com.

Northrop Grumman

Pumas con sonda de reaprovisionamiento para la FFAA brasileñas

Brazilian army and air force take first FOC-standard H225Ms

BY: DOMINIC PERRY LONDON
Helibras has delivered the first H225M helicopters to Brazil’s army and air force to a full operational capability (FOC) standard.

 The Brazilian subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters has handed over seven examples of the 11t-class rotorcraft in 2015, taking the total received by all three services to 22, of an eventual complement of 50.


Helibras

Enhancements over previously delivered examples include a locally developed electronic countermeasures system and, in the air force helicopters, an additional fuel tank and in-flight refuelling equipment. Test flights using the system will be concluded in 2016, says Helibras.

“This phase of the programme involved a challenge for our engineering team, which was to integrate complex systems in-country, such as the in-flight refuelling system, which is currently only available in three other countries,” says Richard Marelli, Helibras president.


Helibras

“I believe that the result achieved, further qualifies the company and proves our technological and innovation capacity," he adds.

Deliveries of the remaining 28 helicopters will run until 2022, with a parallel retrofit programme to bring early examples to the FOC configuration.

Flight Global

Finalizan los ensayos para los KC-30 wallabies

RAAF KC-30 Completes F-35A Refuelling Trials

KC-30 Tanker Test fuel transfer to F-35A 

KC-30A returns from successful trials with F-35A Joint Strike Fighter

A Royal Australia Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport has returned home from successful refuelling trials with the F-35A Lightning II, better known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

Operating from Edwards Air Force Base in the California desert, the RAAF KC-30A flew 12 sorties with a United States Air Force F-35A from 23 September to 26 October.

Using the 18-metre-long Advanced Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) mounted on the tail of the KC-30A, the RAAF crew made a total of 479 ‘dry’ and 24 ‘wet’ contacts with the refuelling receptacle on the F-35A, and transferred more than 95 tonnes of fuel.

KC-30A Transition and Receiver Clearance Manager Wing Commander Grant Kelly said the trials would allow RAAF and foreign F-35As alike to be refuelled.

“These trials are another important step in building KC-30A capability and the results will inform the training practices of current and future RAAF personnel on both aircraft types,” WGCDR Kelly said.

“Air-to-air refuelling will be an important ‘force multiplier’ for the F-35A fleet, considerably boosting their range and endurance, or allowing them to carry bigger payloads.”

As well as the ARBS, the KC-30A is also equipped with hose-and-drogue refuelling pods that are compatible with Air Force’s Hornets, Super Hornets and Growlers. A single KC-30A can carry a fuel load of more than 100 tonnes and remain 1800 kilometres from its home base with 50 tonnes of fuel available for offload, for four hours.

“The impact of the KC-30A is already being felt in the Middle East Region, where the ARBS and hose-and-drogue capabilities are enabling RAAF and Coalition aircraft to fly sorties of more than 10 hours,” WGCDR Kelly said.

“After more than a year of deployed KC-30A operations, it has built a reputation as the ‘Coalition tanker of choice’.”

Throughout the trials at Edwards Air Force Base, the KC-30A was operated by personnel from No. 33 Squadron. A flight test team from the RAAF’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit, supported by flight test instrumentation engineers from the Aerospace Systems Engineering Squadron, was integrated within the USAF Test Centre to work on a dynamic test program.

The KC-30A capability will continue growing, with the next series of refuelling trials to include the C-17A Globemaster and P-8A Poseidon.

The fleet of five KC-30As at RAAF Base Amberley will be supplemented by two more aircraft in 2018.

Australia has committed to 72 F-35As to be based at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal, with the first aircraft arriving in late 2018. The F-35A will replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Hornet with a 5th-generation networked fighter aircraft.

Ministerio de defensa australiano

KC-30A australiano reabastece a F-35A americano

Primer reaprovisionamiento en el aire de un F-35A desde un KC-30A de la RAAF



Tanquero KC-30 prueba de transferencia de combustible de F-35A 

La Real Fuerza Aérea Australiana (RAAF) ha completado la primera transferencia de combustible con el boom de reabastecimiento en vuelo desde un Multi-Role Tanker Transporte (MRTT) KC-30A de la RAAF a un F-35A Joint Strike Fighter de la Fuerza Aérea de Estados Unidos (USAF) en Aire Base de la Fuerza Aérea Edwards en California. Un total de 59 contactos se llevaron a cabo de las cuales cinco contactos transfirieron 43.200 libras de combustible durante la salida 4 horas.

El jefe de la Fuerza Aérea, el Mariscal del Aire Leo Davies AO CSC, calificó el ensayo como un paso importante en el desarrollo de la capacidad del KC-30A.

"Nuestro KC-30A es un multiplicador de fuerza esencial. El reabastecimiento de combustible en pleno vuelo es fundamental para garantizar el alcance global de nuestros aviones, nuestra gente y nuestro equipo ", dijo el mariscal del aire Davies.

"Repostar entre el KC-30A y F-35A es un paso importante hacia el logro del KC-30A de la capacidad operativa final (FOC) y representa un progreso continuo en el desarrollo del F-35A.



"Este logro es significativo porque el futuro de la capacidad de combate aéreo de Australia depende de la asociación exitosa entre estos dos aviones y nuestra capacidad para interoperar con nuestros socios internacionales", dijo el mariscal del aire Davies.

El KC-30A tiene dos sistemas de abastecimiento de combustible - la manguera-and-drogue y Sistema Boom avanzada repostaje (BRA). Los dos sistemas de reabastecimiento diferentes permiten RAAF para apoyar una amplia gama de aviones de la coalición en la Operación OKRA donde un KC-30A está actualmente desplegado para apoyar operaciones de combate contra Daesh en Irak y Siria.

Los cinco KC-30As se basan en RAAF Base Amberley (Queensland) y la Fuerza Aérea recibirá dos más en 2018. Un único KC-30A puede llevar una carga de combustible de más de 100 toneladas y permanezcan 1800 kilómetros desde su base con 50 toneladas de combustible disponible para la descarga, durante cuatro horas.

Australia se ha comprometido a 72 F-35As de Bases RAAF Williamtown y Tindal, con la primera aeronave que llegue a finales de 2018. El F-35A reemplazará el envejecimiento de F / A-18A / B Hornet con un avión de combate en red quinta generación.

Ministerio de defensa australiano

Qantas reconvierte 2 A330 para REVO

Qantas to Return Two CIT A330s by End-2015 for MRTT Conversion

Two Airbus A330-200 aircraft have been pending their conversion to MRTT

Qantas Airways will return two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to CIT Aerospace by the end of the year, pending their conversion to multi-role tanker transports (MRTT) for the Royal Australian Air Force.

The two airliners bear the registrations VH-EBH (MSN 892) and VH-EBI (MSN 898), says Australia’s Department of Defence (DoD). They will eventually be converted to KC-30As (the RAAF designation for the A330 MRTT) at Airbus Defence and Space’s Getafe, Spain facility, for delivery to the RAAF in 2018.

The DoD confirms that it will assume full ownership of the converted jets.

Qantas says VH-EBH has stopped flying and will be returned to CIT on 21 July. VH-EBI will cease operating in September and be returned to CIT on 20 November.

Flightglobal’s Ascend Fleets database shows that both jets are powered by General Electric CF6 engines – similar to the RAAF’s existing five KC-30As. VH-EBH was handed over to Qantas in January 2008, and VH-EBI one month later.

Flightglobal Ascend pegs the full-life valuation of each aircraft at $61.7 million.

Airbus says this is the first incidence of in-service A330-200s being converted to the MRTT tanker standard. The work will see the installation of hose and drogue refueling pods under the the aircraft’s wings, a refuelling boom, and other military equipment.

“The two extra aircraft for RAAF were exceptional due to their wish to use basic airframes of a specification very close to their existing fleet, and these two Qantas airframes were available,” says Airbus. “There is no proposal to convert used aircraft for any other customer.”

When contacted by Flightglobal, CIT and Airbus were unable to provide details as to when the aircraft will change hands, but Airbus says an MRTT conversion takes 10-12 months.

According to a DoD statement, the value of the transaction is worth A$408 million ($314 million).

Including the two aircraft due to be returned to CIT, Qantas has 27 A330s: 17 -200s and 10 -300s.

FlighGlobal

Fotos: JF-17 Thunder con sonda de reabastecimiento

Se viene el Block II

En las siguientes capturas de video puede verse al caza JF-17 Thunder, serial 09-109, armado con misiles aire-aire BVR SD-10A y misiles antibuque C-802A. Sin embargo, lo más significativo es la presencia de la sonda de reabastecimiento en vuelo, que le fue incorporada en el transcurso de 2013 para evaluar la posibilidad de dotar al avión chino-pakistaní con esa importante capacidad.

El avión fue fotografiado el pasado 19 de diciembre de 2013 en las instalaciones de PAC (Pakistan Aeronautical Complex) en Kamra, en el marco de la ceremonia de Roll Out del ejemplar número cincuenta del JF-17 y el lanzamiento oficial de la producción del Block II del modelo, que entre otras características presentará mejoras importantes en materia de subsistemas de aviónica, capacidad estándar de reabastecimiento de combustible aire-aire, capacidad de portar más carga bélica, y mayor facilidad de mantenimiento.