KC-30 refuels F-16s on operations for the first time

A RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport has completed the type’s first operational refuelling of a fighter aircraft using its Aerial Refuelling Boom System.

The boom was used to refuel two US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons of the 480th Fighter Squadron during a mission in the Middle East, Defence announced on August 19.

“The KC-30A is highly regarded by the coalition in-theatre due to its high reliability and excellent hose and drogue refuelling capability,” Commander Air Task Group, Air Commodore Phil Gordon said.

“The introduction of a boom refuelling capability for USAF F-16s further enhances the utility of the KC-30A in the coalition fight against Daesh. 

“The flexibility of having both types of air-to-air refuelling systems means the Australian KC-30A can be rapidly re-tasked airborne to support a greater proportion of fighters if their scheduled tanker is unavailable.”

Operational refuelling of the F-16 follows trials with a USAF F-16 in the US last December. The KC-30 has been refuelling RAAF E-7A Wedgetails with its boom on operations in the Middle East since October 2015.