The RAAF’s first KC-30 tanker has successfully performed its first “wet contact” inflight refuelling using its ARBS boom, passing fuel to two Portuguese air force F-16s on October 21.
The flight lasted four hours and 30 minutes, during which a total of 13 contacts were performed, with more than 1.5 tonnes of fuel being transferred, Airbus Military announced.
The test “demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily,” Airbus Military said in a statement.
