Royal Australian Air Force Completes Air-to-Air Refuelling Clearance Trials with U.S. Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has concluded air-to-air refuelling clearance trials with two United States Air Force (U.S.A.F.) aircraft, namely the Boeing RC-135 and A-10C Warthog.

Over an almost month-long period, the RAAF's KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport from 33 Squadron provided refuelling support to a RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) and U.S.A.F. co-led air-to-air refuelling clearance trial involving the Boeing RC-135 and A-10C Warthog.

Executed from Edwards Air Force Base, California, the RAAF detachment worked in conjunction with base personnel, particularly the U.S.A.F. 418th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS) from the 412th Test Wing.

Flight Lieutenant Jordan Smith, a qualified test pilot for the activity, reported that 412 contacts were made between the KC-30A and RC-135 over eight sorties. Flight Lieutenant Smith provided insights, stating, "The RC-135 works adequately as a receiver for the KC-30A, as they are relatively stable in contact position, and the fuel offload rate is reasonable for its size."

Despite the A-10C Warthog's slower speed compared to the majority of compatible aircraft, the KC-30A demonstrated effectiveness at slower speeds, with 34 successful contacts made through one sortie.

The RAAF detachment included ARDU flight test aircrew, one qualified test pilot, four flight test engineers, a flight test system specialist, two contractor flight test air refuelling operators, and other personnel from 33 Squadron, including aircrew and maintenance personnel.

The clearance trials followed three months of preparation to understand the required data collection and associated risks.

Post-trials, the KC-30A and Boeing RC-135 air-to-air refuelling data will undergo processing to finalize flight test assessments, contributing to the U.S.A.F. Flight Test Report. This report will aid in conducting gateway checks, and once clearance is approved by both countries, documentation for future air-to-air refuelling with the pairing will be prepared.

The testing with the RC-135 will also enable clearances for other U.S.A.F. C-135 variants.

Flight Lieutenant Smith highlighted that these trials deepen understanding of interoperability and contribute to the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the role of air-to-air refuelling in extending the operational capabilities of U.S.A.F. airframes during exercises or future operations.