A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail carries out the first operational air-to-air refuellilng from a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft on operations above Iraq. *** Local Caption *** October 23rd 2015 was a historic day for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) following the first combat refuelling by a RAAF KC-30 Multirole Tanker Transport aircraft using its new-technology computerised refuelling boom. The flying boom system allows for faster transfer of fuel than the hose-and-drogue system and will allow the RAAF to refuel boom-refuelling equipped aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft, the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and the F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter. The KC-30 and E-7A operating in Iraq are serving with the Air Task Group (ATG), the RAAF’s air combat group operating within a US-led international coalition assembled to disrupt and degrade Daesh operations. The ATG comprises six RAAF F/A-18 Hornets, an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft. There are up to 350 personnel deployed, at any one time, to the Middle East Region as part of, or in direct support of the ATG, which is part of Australia’s broader Defence contribution to Iraq, codenamed Operation OKRA, which includes a Special Operations Task Group and a combined Australian – New Zealand training group for the Iraqi Army.The Royal Australian Air Force took a significant step forward in airlift capability when two giant RAAF aircraft conducted air-to-air refueling for the first time.
The refueling trials took place during a two-hour sortie off the Queensland coast, between a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and a C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft. The aircraft made a number of contacts between the MRTT’s Aerial Refueling Boom System and a receptacle above the Globemasters’ cockpit.
The two aircraft, both over 50 metres in length, had to fly in close formation, requiring a high degree of skill from the pilots. Air-to-air refuelling will allow Globemasters to fly for much longer and carry heavy payloads further without having to land.
Both the KC-30A and C-17A fleets are based at RAAF Base Amberley, near Ipswich. They are operated by Number 33 Squadron and Number 36 Squadron, respectively. The KC-30A is currently cleared to conduct boom refueling with the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft, as well as other KC-30As.
Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU), Wing Commander Daniel Rich, said that working closely with 33 and 36 Squadrons during the ongoing testing and clearance program is integral to success.
“Our testing uses a team of ARDU flight test aircrew (test pilots, flight test engineers and flight test system specialists) along with pilots and aerial refueling operators from the operational squadrons working together on the program.
“Our testing program is not just of benefit to the RAAF but, through close cooperation with the United States Air Force flight test system, this clearance activity will also provide a meaningful contribution across allied test and evaluation activities,” Wing Commander Rich said.
The trials are being conducted by the RAAF’s own Air Warfare Centre (AWC), which is responsible for enhancing Air Force’s capability and interoperability in the 21st century. Commander of the AWC, Air Commodore Stephen Meredith, said these trials demonstrate our future operating intent.
“The AWC’s Test and Evaluation Directorate is driving the innovation through our integrated approach. This is a great example of how Air Force, through Project Jericho, is positioning itself for the future,” Air Commodore Meredith said.
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