A2A; Exclusive Interview with Captain of A330 MRTT; High Altitude Refueling Norwegian F-35s

[Redskin301]

On Tuesday March 22nd, 2022, a media flight was planned in an Airbus A330 MRTT, flying from Cologne-Bonn airport (ICAO: EDDK). The flight was organized by both the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) and NATO Allied Air Command. The air refueling flight would deliver fuel to aircraft flying in the Cold Response exercise in Norway. After take-off, the A330 MRTT flew two hours to mid Norway near Bodo where several aircraft were refueled. Six Norwegian Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters were refueled with the tank boom. One Swedish Air Force SAAB Gripen fighter, simulated the air refueling with the hose and drogue system, as this aircraft type was not yet certified for refueling. Some US Marines Boeing F/A-18s were mentioned as possible receivers, but these aircraft did not show up. After the refueling, a 2 hour flight back took the A330 MRTT back to Cologne-Bonn airport.

 

[John Fedup]

On Tuesday March 22nd, 2022, a media flight was planned in an Airbus A330 MRTT, flying from Cologne-Bonn airport (ICAO: EDDK). The flight was organized by both the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) and NATO Allied Air Command. The air refueling flight would deliver fuel to aircraft flying in the Cold Response exercise in Norway. After take-off, the A330 MRTT flew two hours to mid Norway near Bodo where several aircraft were refueled. Six Norwegian Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters were refueled with the tank boom. One Swedish Air Force SAAB Gripen fighter, simulated the air refueling with the hose and drogue system, as this aircraft type was not yet certified for refueling. Some US Marines Boeing F/A-18s were mentioned as possible receivers, but these aircraft did not show up. After the refueling, a 2 hour flight back took the A330 MRTT back to Cologne-Bonn airport.

MRTTs would be a welcomed addition by the RCAF for our belated F-35 fleet.

 

[Redskin301]

MRTTs would be a welcomed addition by the RCAF for our belated F-35 fleet.

I already thought that this is a possible replacement for the aging A310 versions, correct me if I am wrong?

 

[John Fedup]

I already thought that this is a possible replacement for the aging A310 versions, correct me if I am wrong?

Yes, a recent RFI resulted in only the MRTT meeting Canadian requirements. As for an actual purchase, hopefully more timely than our long and drawn out fighter replacement!