Airbus Military is confident its work with the RAAF will lead to initial operating capability of the KC-30A’s refueling boom in 2014, adding that final operating capability for probe and drogue refueling was expected in the new year.
Senior representatives from Airbus Military were in Australia recently to discuss progress on the boom and other issues that emerged in the early stages of the aircraft’s introduction to service over the last two years.
“We are all learning from operational experience,” said Airbus MRTT program head Antonio Caramazana.
Two RAAF KC-30As are currently in Madrid for crew training following modifications as a result of the co-operative efforts between the RAAF and Airbus Military, the manufacturer said.
Airbus Military also said that wingtip flutter that was experienced once during a refueling exercise between the KC-30A and F/A-18s was the result of turbulence and was a unique event. It further said oscillations in the wingtip from its super critical design had been remedied.
