• RAF Voyagers on patrol

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An article from the AirForces Monthly Yearbook 2024, where Alan Warnes interviews the Officer Commanding of 101 Sqn about the increased taskings of the RAF’s Voyagers since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Voyager has revolutionised the way the RAF does its business. Not only can it fulfil a strategic transport role, but the RAF’s ten air-to-air refuelling-configured (AAR) MRTTs can each carry 111 tons of fuel with the capacity to offload a lot to thirsty fighters and larger transport aircraft.

Some of its most notable work in recent years has included Operation Pitting in August 2021, when the Voyager took part in the RAF’s evacuation of Kabul. There have also been regular annual deployments refuelling fighters flying to the likes of Exercise Red Flag at Nellis AFB in the US, while Exercise Pitch Black saw a Voyager escort four Eurofighters around the world to Australia last summer; that was no walk in the park. 

These are all in addition to the standing RAF commitments, supporting air defence quick reaction alerts at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and Mount Pleasant Airfield, Falkland Islands, as well as Eurofighters detached to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus for Op Shader missions over Iraq and Syria.

A Typhoon moves in to connect with the extended hose and drogue of a Voyager. The RAF’s fleet of Voyagers are kept extremely busy with ops all over the world. Since February 24, 2022 the MRTT has been heavily used for tanking RAF Typhoons on combat air patrol over NATO’s eastern flank

Full on with AAR

On February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the Voyagers were called upon to support the RAF Typhoon combat air patrols in two completely different areas of Eastern Europe.

Wg Cdr Udall, Officer Commanding of 101 Sqn based at RAF Brize Norton, said of the step up in requirements: “While we are always busy, what we saw was a rapid change in our prioritisation. Whereas in the past we had a balance in our standard air refuelling commitments, and moving people around the world, we suddenly needed to go heavily towards providing AAR into eastern Europe.

“We saw a spike, but the greater challenge was adapting to working under different command and control and in different air space, not knowing what would come next. But we didn’t have to alter our AAR standard operating procedures significantly, it was more of how we got to our area of ops, the routing, flight plans and timings rather than the mechanics of the job. We saw a controlled surge, which we were ready for and our NATO allies supported us very well in their airspace.”

The Voyager Force (VF) had the capacity to confront NATO’s AAR requirement by committing to fewer transport responsibilities. These can be flown by airlines, and, as the VF went all in for AAR, the transport side almost stopped. Wg Cdr Udall added: “The benefits of working with Air Tanker is that their three white aircraft, if available, can easily step up because the company is very familiar with the way we work and there are contractual mechanisms for that. So, in the early days we saw the white fleet taking more of the transport, while the grey fleet got on with AAR.”

The first Voyager sortie to NATO’s eastern flank came at 0721hrs on February 24, 2022 to refuel RAF Typhoons on combat air patrol (CAP) in northeast Europe, just hours after Russia’s invasion. Providing reassurance to other NATO members on the eastern flank is what these missions are still all about. The Voyagers can come under the auspices of NATO or under national command. When they are working with NATO, the likes of French Rafales, German Tornados, Spanish F/A-18 Hornets, US Navy Hornets and all European variants of Eurofighters are refuelled. However, the RAF Voyagers are limited by the fact they are hose and drogue equipped, which means F-16s and other aircraft that are boom-fed, cannot be supplied. It is obviously a disadvantage, but Wg Cdr Udall would not be drawn on whether there are any prospects of that changing. Under national command, which is where the bulk of the work is, it’s not such a problem because most RAF aircraft are fitted with probes to access the drogues.

An RAF Voyager took four RAF Typhoons to Exercise Pitch Black in Australia over a week last August. They participated in the drills, before heading back home.

In the early days there was lots of effort put into integration during the NATO Eastern Flank ops, but progressively the RAF is getting involved in more complex ways. “Quite often we will take Typhoons to Baltic states; we will top them off, so they are pretty full of fuel. They will then do some air-to-air or air-to-ground training – and learn to interoperate [with the likes of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers]. They might do that for a couple of hours, then we will bring them back.

“It’s an easy way for them to train together, without taking a lot of people, or basing spare parts and logistics at another base – it allows them to operate with different nations and achieve that effect from our main bases.”

Of the time in the air, three hours is transiting with the fighters, and that’s because the Voyager is flying between 26,000 and 28,000ft. If they flew higher, as they normally do, then they would reach their destination faster. Three hours allows the Voyager to meet up with the Typhoons over the North Sea, east of RAF Coningsby, and if they are from RAF Lossiemouth that’s a bit further north. Wg Cdr Udall explained: “We give them fuel when they are still close to the UK and top them up when they are a bit closer to the combat air patrol. To make life easier and in case of an issue, we will stick with them, provide weather reports et cetera along the way for nearby airfields, and it’s easier than trying to rendezvous with them again when we get to the CAP.”

Then of course it is another three hours to get back to the UK. The largest amount of fuel to be offloaded to date, is 44 tons, to Typhoons over Poland on CAP.

Wg Cdr Udall added: “There is always a trade off with the longer the Voyagers are airborne because it means they have to give less away. We did consider forward deploying in early stages but we wanted to get the most out of Voyager and the fast jets. We have more flexibility at the main base, we can flip different crews on different tasks, use the aircraft overnight for other activities. Running things from main base is much more efficient. If the CAPs were further afield, there would be a stronger case to forward deploying, as we do at RAF Akrotiri.

“It was felt that the UK to Poland and Baltics was do-able in the flying time the crews were restricted to. If you consider the maximum amount of time the Typhoons are operating (with the discomfort of sitting for hours in an ejection seat) their mission length fits nicely into the maximum flying hours regulation for our tanker crews.”

For NATO missions, the average Voyager sortie is 7hrs 40mins; the longest has been 9hrs 50mins. While they generally stick with the fighters all that time, the near ten hours mission would have meant the Voyager was given another tasking on top of looking after the Typhoons.

When on-station, the Voyager usually has a race-track course in eastern Europe of about 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, the 101 Sqn OC said: “If it’s any smaller, then the tanker is turning a lot and refuelling in the turn is more difficult for the fighter.”

By mid-December, the Voyager Force had flown more than 270 missions (around 1,900 hours) in support of NATO’s reassurance ops. Around 170 missions have been flown from the UK (known as the ‘northern tanker’) and 100 from RAF Akrotiri (‘southern tanker’). With the latter, the Typhoons tend to fly up to the Black Sea around Bulgaria and Romania and the Voyagers support them through Turkey/Greece and bring them back.

The Voyager KC2 is equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, while the KC3 has an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft, as this C-130J Hercules illustrates

Hoses and drogues

There are ten A330 MRTT Voyagers serving the RAF, fitted with two or three hose/drogues, although the Wg Cdr wouldn’t give the precise split. All ten are capable of accommodating the three hose/drogue fit. Of the additional four in the Air Tanker contract, one is used for the Falklands air bridge flown by Air Tanker crews or reservists while the other three are strategic reserves. “They are used by Air Tanker to earn additional revenue to decrease the cost of the contract, but we can use them if required. We could also charter other aircraft for air transport, but we can’t do that with AAR, which is solely our business. The balance varies, but the overall demand is quite high.

The three hose and drogues are never used at the same time, because the RAF doesn’t have the clearances (certification) and as the fighters normally operate in pairs that’s not an issue according to Wg Cdr Udall. The centre hose is used for the heavies like the A400Ms, C-130Js but not the C-17As.

The fleet leader for the NATO ops is ZZ330, which by mid-December had flown more than 56 sorties from RAF Akrotiri, when it was based there. For efficiency, the missions are flown with a standard crew.

Southern tanker

For a long time now, the VF has had an aircraft in Akrotiri, Cyprus and Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, offering a supporting role to the Typhoons there. They are also in the latter to offer an aeromedical evacuation and every now and again they ‘flex’ (as the RAF refers to it) because one might be needed elsewhere or they need to be augmented. “For quite a bit of last year we were conducting Black Sea ops, [around Bulgaria and Romania] so we put an extra aircraft in Cyprus to support NATO’s Black Sea flank,” said Wg Cdr Udall.

“We helped the Typhoons get to/back but during the Typhoon deployment to Mihail Kogalniceanu in Romania last year we were seldom required. While based forward, they didn’t tend to need us as much.

“If they are launching from RAF Akrotiri, we tend to route via Turkish/Greek air space and bring them back again. It’s always better to get them back, than having them land somewhere for fuel to make the most of the assets and reduce the chances of technical issues.”

The Voyagers are an incredibly sought-after aircraft, with around eight of the ten currently being flown by VF almost every day, heavily biased towards AAR, although in the past it has been more evenly balanced. There have been times when it had to skew the other way too, as Wg Cdr Udall explained: “One case was during Op Pitting, when we still had to keep our standard commitments going. During the evacuation of Kabul, the tactical airlifters went forward, and we ensured there was a short notice air bridge into a common safe location, so people could be flown to UK. A lot of the soldiers and RAF personnel enabled the extraction of evacuees, some of whom had never been in an aircraft and were very anxious and often distressed. The tactical air transport aircraft are designed to go into hostile areas fly them back to a safer area, and we provide the air bridge to the UK, because we have the capacity and reach for that strategic lift.”

The A330 MRTT Voyager KC2/3 is an unsung hero, proven over its 11 years of operations, in the strategic airlift and air refueller role – even if it doesn’t have a refuelling boom! afm

In addition to CAPs in northeast Europe, a Voyager based at RAF Akrotiri has been supporting Typhoons on CAP close to the Black Sea. In mid-2022, the RAF had Typhoons based at Mihail Kogalniceanu, as part of Operation Biloxi to support Romania and Bulgaria

A330 MRTT crew

On AAR missions there is a minimum of three personnel in a crew, and if it’s busy it can also include a cabin supervisor. The third member is the boom operator who is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) who will control the hoses via the boom frequencies – clear the fighters behind the hose and monitor how it is going, while the pilots will not just fly the aircraft but monitor air traffic and navigation. The cabin supervisor (also an NCO) will support the three-man crew, with food and drink during the longer missions allowing them to take a break and go to the toilet if required.

Pitch Black

While the 101 Sqn Executive Officer went to lead the Voyager during the exercise at Darwin in Australia from August 19 to September 8, a lot went via the Wg Cdr’s desk. “It was quite audacious to get the [four] Typhoons out there. The Voyager left on August 12, then night-stopped at Akrotiri, Cyprus [before] heading off.”

The next stop was Al Dhafra, UAE (although the RAF would not confirm this due to local sensitivities), Delhi in India, then Paya Lebar, Singapore, arriving at Darwin on the 18th. Returning, the aircraft stopped at, Penang in Malaysia, Delhi, a location in the Middle East, RAF Akrotiri and RAF Lossiemouth. It was obviously a complex long-range mission.

The 101 OC picks up: “While there we had some key successes – we performed cell refuelling – when tankers orbit with a half mile separation, and refuel the fighters, which we did with NATO’s MMU [Multinational Multirole tanker transport Unit) A330 MRTTs. To us Pitch Black demonstrated our freedom of manoeuvre and proved we have rapid worldwide reach. It’s not easy, but it is achievable.

“We always prefer to refuel during the day, so we can see the massive thunderstorms over the Indian Ocean!” Daytime is also better for emergencies: “You don’t want to do that at night, particularly if it includes an ejection. You fly four to six hours during the day, then land and the engineers prep the aircraft for the mission the next day, and you get on your way. You can pre-position tankers to en route stops but then you have to confront other issues.

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A330 Voyager

Project description.

Voyager is a dual role air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft, currently in service with the Royal Air Force and used by the Prime Minister and Royal Family.

raf voyager fleet list

What is the A330 Voyager?

Voyager is a military derivative of the Airbus A330-200 Airliner. It is designed as a dual role air-to-air refuelling and air transport aircraft.

The aircraft is equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets and Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) giving Voyager the capability to also refuel large aircraft, such A400M.

Voyager has a payload of 43 tonnes of freight and 291 seat passenger capacity plus aeromedical evacuation capability (up to 40 stretchers and three critical care patients).

Voyager provides a vital connection between the UK and the Falkland Islands, through the South Atlantic Air Bridge (SAA). The twice-weekly service transports military personnel and civilians from RAF Bridge Norton to the Falklands.

Voyager came into service in 2014 and is currently supporting operations at home and abroad. It will remain in service until 2035. There are a total of 14 aircraft, nine of which are held in the core fleet with a further five held in reserve to meet demand as required.

Pictured is the Voyager tanker that performed the first Operational Air-Air refuelling of an RAF A400M Atlas.

About the A330 Voyager

One aircraft bears the Union Jack and is fitted with business class seating for VIPs, such as the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family. However, it remains fully capable of aerial refuelling.

In June 2022, Voyager set two new records for non-stop flights between the UK and the Falkland Islands. These record-breaking flights confirmed the capability of the Voyager service to sustain the SAA to the Falklands without having to land for refuelling. The non-stop flights carrying passengers and freight were only possible thanks to DE&S’ cost-effective installation of a Crew Rest Facility on the civil registered Voyager so that relief aircrew could travel on board the aircraft.

In November 2022, DE&S worked with the RAF and industry partners to carry out a world-first 100% sustainable fuel flight using an A330 Voyager. This was the first flight powered completely by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel for a military aircraft of its size, and the first of any aircraft type in the UK. The flight was a joint endeavour between the RAF, DE&S and our industry partners Airbus, AirTanker and Rolls-Royce, with the fuel purchased from Air bp.

A330 Voyager has a colossal 60-metre wingspan and is the largest aircraft ever used by the Royal Air Force.

How is Voyager delivered?

DE&S manages the Voyager Private Finance Initiative contract. This is a 27-year contract awarded to the AirTanker consortium to manage the maintenance, infrastructure, and spares needed to sustain the Voyager programme. The scope of the contract also covers aircrew and ground crew training, including training school instructors and fleet management.

Voyager is one of the highest value private finance initiative (PFI) contract in Government. DE&S plays a crucial role in ensuring maximum value and benefit from the services available, working closely with our industry partners.

Meet the DE&S Voyager delivery team

Become part of the team.

The DE&S Voyager Delivery Team is made up of 40 personnel at MOD Abbey Wood Bristol and RAF Brize Norton. The team manages a contracted service to supply Voyager to the RAF.

Voyager is operated by 10 Squadron and 101 Squadron in the RAF.

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Voyager sets new records with non-stop flights to and from the Falkland Islands

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The Royal Air Force Voyager Fleet

raf voyager fleet list

# Industry News

One of the most versatile and modern aircraft in the Royal Air Force is the Airbus Voyager.

These aircraft are used in both air-to-air refuelling and in passenger and troop transport, as well as cargo and logistics.

The aircraft are actually modified military variants of the Airbus A330, and have the designation Airbus A330-243(MRTT).

This latter code can be deciphered as Multi-Role Tanker Transport, indicating the intended role of the type in both transporting troops and providing an air-to-air refuelling service for fast jets.

The Voyager aircraft was introduced into the Royal Air Force fleet in 2011 to replace the ageing Lockheed L1011 TriStar and Vickers VC10 aircraft which had been providing tanker and transport services since the 1980s.

With it, the RAF introduced a modern aircraft which was more fuel-efficient to run, quieter, had better range and capacity, and all of the current generation of avionics and protection.

The Royal Air Force A330 MRTT fleet is actually owned and operated by a company called AirTanker Services (usually just known as AirTanker).

It is contracted by the RAF to operate these aircraft on its behalf, and also uses them on other charter work.

They are painted in standard Royal Air Force grey livery and titles, although they sometimes wear AirTanker titles, like in the picture above taken at Brize Norton.

The current RAF Voyager Fleet

There are 14 Airbus A330 MRTT “Voyagers” operated by the Royal Air Force. Serials and construction numbers below.

ZZ330 (1046)

ZZ331 (1248)

ZZ332 (1275)

ZZ333 (1312)

ZZ334 (1033)

ZZ335 (1334)

ZZ336 (1363)

ZZ337 (1390)

ZZ338 (1419)

ZZ339 / G-VYGJ (1439)

ZZ340 / G-VYGK (1498)

ZZ341 / G-VYGL (1555)

ZZ342 / G-VYGM (1601)

ZZ343 (1610)

Where to see the RAF Voyager Fleet

As with most of the RAF’s tanker and transport aircraft, the A330 Voyagers are based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, about 1.5 hours’ drive north of London.

The aircraft fly for both 10 Squadron and 101 Squadron which have their home at the air base.

On operational duties you will regularly see the Voyagers flying out over the North Sea to support fast jet training exercises, as well as the Falkland Islands.

However, when on transport duties you will often find them visiting the RAF’s overseas airbases, like Akrotiri in Cyprus and on the air bridge to Ascension Island and the Falklands.

Where troops are on missions or training exercises, the Voyagers will also be used in most cases to transport them to and from their home bases in the UK, which might not be Brize Norton.

Voyagers in Civilian Use

Because the RAF has more Voyagers than it needs at present, a couple of examples have been leased out to civilian operators for passenger use over recent years.

Over the past couple of summers, you could find examples flying with Jet2.com and Thomas Cook Airlines, ferrying holidaymakers out of airports like Manchester to sunnier parts of Europe and beyond. Given the standard onboard layout, combined with the exterior painted in the colours of the airline they’re flying for, the only giveaway is the registration of the aircraft, which will be in the G-VYGx sequence allocated to AirTanker’s Voyagers when in civil use.

With the loss of some of these airlines, and the downturn in aviation, we may not see the tankers in charter operation for a while.

Britain’s Air Force One Voyager

In June 2020 one of the RAF’s Voyager fleet was adorned with a new livery to reflect its role carrying Britain’s royalty, prime minister and other VIPs.

The aircraft chosen was ZZ336. It now wears a special Union Jack scheme and ‘United Kingdom’ titles.

While this is the official long-haul transport – Britain’s Air Force One if you like – it is still a tanker aircraft and will be deployed on missions with the RAF at other times.

Many other countries use the Airbus A330-243(MRTT) for similar roles, however only the Royal Air Force use the ‘Voyager’ name for the aircraft.

Refuelling probe and equipment on the RAF A330 tanker aircraft.

Refuelling probe and equipment on the RAF A330 tanker aircraft.

A330 MRTT G-VYGL (ZZ341) operating for Jet2.

A330 MRTT G-VYGL (ZZ341) operating for Jet2.

ZZ336 in the new Union Jack scheme.

ZZ336 in the new Union Jack scheme.

ZZ336 in the new Union Jack scheme.

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AirTanker

  • Aircraft detail

Voyager: Proven and cutting-edge technology, delivering a powerful new and flexible capability to the RAF in support of military and humanitarian operations.

A vital capability.

RAF Voyager delivers a vital strategic capability to the RAF. Simultaneously able to perform air-to-air refuelling, while also carrying military personnel, passengers and freight, with the capacity for aeromedical evacuation, Voyager re-writes the rule book.

Headline facts

  • Voyager is the largest aircraft in the RAF fleet with a length of 58.82m, wingspan of 60.3m and height of 17.39m
  • Powerplant: two Rolls Royce Trent 7002b Turbofans each producing 72,000lbs thrust
  • Maximum speed Mach 0.86 (approx.655mph)
  • Maximum range at full cargo and passenger capacity: 4,500 nautical miles (5,200miles)
  • Maximum range full fuel load: 8,000 nautical miles (9,200 miles)
  • Maximum altitude 41,000ft ( 7.8miles or 12.5km)
  • Defence provided through Defensive Aid Suites
  • Crew: two pilots; one AAR Mission Systems Operator; eight cabin crew for air transport
  • Troop Transport

Aeromedical

raf voyager fleet list

  • All aircraft can be fitted with Cobham 905 wing-pods, which are used to refuel fast jets including Typhoon and the Tornado GR4.
  • Two aircraft can be refueled at the same time.
  • Fuel is dispensed through hoses which can extend to 28m (90ft) when fully trailed.
  • The system uses the NATO standard MA4 coupling which ensures fuel is delivered to receiver aircraft at 50 psi.
  • The maximum flow from each pod is 1,200kg/minute.

raf voyager fleet list

  • Fitted with the standard Rolls Royce Trent 772B engines which can generate up to 72,000lbs of thrust.
  • Maximum speed Mach 0.86 (approx.655mph).
  • Maximum range at full cargo and passenger capacity: 4,500 nautical miles (5,200miles).
  • Maximum range full fuel load: 8,000 nautical miles (9,200 miles).

Fuselage Refueling Unit (FRU)

raf voyager fleet list

  • Seven aircraft in the fleet can be fitted with the Cobham Fuselage Refueling Unit (FRU), which gives Voyager a centerline refueling capability primarily for use in the refueling of large aircraft.
  • The centerline hose is 28m (90ft) when fully trailed.
  • The system uses the NATO standard MA4 coupling, which ensures fuel is delivered to receiver aircraft at 50 psi.
  • The maximum flow on the centreline is 1,800kg/minute – this is the same as up to 5,100 litres of fuel per minute.

Flight Deck

raf voyager fleet list

  • Fly-by-wire technology protects the flight envelope and reduces crew workload.
  • Panoramic rear visibility delivered by 10 different cameras giving Pilots and AAR Mission Systems Operators the ability to monitor receiver aircraft. Includes wing-tip to wing-tip day and night view with pan and zoom capability.
  • Flight deck modified and enhanced to include the Mission Systems Console, used by the AAR Mission Systems Operator to direct receiver aircraft when in close AAR formation.
  • Mission system features civil and military radios covering HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands and satellite communications. Can provide secure and anti-jam communications if required.

raf voyager fleet list

  • Passenger cabin can be configured to provide a 40 stretcher aeromedical evacuation capability.
  • Includes two rapidly configurable stretchers.
  • And three critical care patient facilities.
  • Seven aircraft in the fleet can be fitted with the Cobham Fuselage Refueling Unit (FRU) which gives Voyager a centerline refueling capability primarily for use in the refueling of large aircraft.
  • The maximum flow from each pod is 1,800kg/minute.

raf voyager fleet list

  • Capable of carrying 43 tonnes of freight.
  • All freight is accommodated below deck.
  • Automated cargo handling system capable of loading military and civilian cargo containers.

Flight deck

Passenger cabin.

raf voyager fleet list

  • 291 single economy class in an eight abreast 2-4-2 configuration.
  • Standard Airbus civilian seating, featuring a 34inch pitch (leg room).
  • Aircraft are fitted with an In Flight Entertainment system.
  • 'Long haul' catering facility.

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Latest Voyager arrival completes 'core' fleet for RAF

By Craig Hoyle 2014-05-29T17:15:57+01:00

The ninth Airbus A330 Voyager from the UK’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme touched down at the Royal Air Force’s Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire on 29 May, completing the service’s “core” fleet of the type.

Flown to the RAF’s air transport hub from Airbus Defence & Space’s Getafe modification centre near Madrid, Voyager ZZ338 “will begin operations once transferred to the [UK] military aircraft register”, says the AirTanker consortium responsible for delivering the fleet. The tanker/transport is configured with under-wing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods, plus a centreline fuselage refuelling unit, used to provide support to large “receiver” aircraft.

Voyager ZZ338 - Crown Copyright

Crown Copyright

Eight converted Voyagers have now been delivered to Brize Norton for use by the service’s 10 and 101 squadrons, including five three-point tanker/transports and two equipped with under-wing pods only. The ninth – currently unmodified – example is operated by AirTanker and retained on the UK civil aircraft register. All of the aircraft are configured with a 291-seat, single-class passenger cabin, and are capable of carrying a maximum fuel load of 111t.

Since entering use, the UK’s Voyagers have been flown for a combined 9,750h, and have transported more than 172,000 passengers, AirTanker says. In the air-to-air refuelling role the fleet has completed over than 230 sorties and delivered in excess of 400t of fuel, supporting types including the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornado GR4s.

“We will continue to work in partnership with the RAF to refine this service,” says AirTanker chief executive Phill Blundell, who describes the completion of core fleet deliveries as “a sizable achievement".

In addition to supporting quick reaction alert activities with Typhoons in the UK and the Falkland Islands, the Voyager fleet is also currently supporting testing of the RAF’s future tactical transport. “ZZ334, a three-point tanker, has completed the military conversion programme and is currently in Spain as part of the UK’s commitment to support the [Airbus] A400M flight test programme,” AirTanker says.

A further five Voyagers will be delivered by the end of 2016. These will be available to support “surge” operations for the UK, but also made available for third-party use under the terms of the FSTA deal, which will run until 2035.

Source: Flight International

  • UK Royal Air Force

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RAF’s A330 Voyager fleet secures approval for extended operations

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has permitted the extended range operations accreditation (ETOPS 180) clearance to the Royal Air Force's (RAF) A330 Voyager future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) fleet.

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The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has permitted the extended range operations accreditation (ETOPS 180) clearance to the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) A330 Voyager future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) fleet.

Awarded following the implementation and successful review of enhanced procedures in the maintenance and flight crew operations, the approval provides the civil-registered aircraft with greater flexibility and efficiency during long distance flights, including those across to North America.

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The flight crews have received additional training in the classroom and simulator, in addition to a check onboard the Voyager.

AirTanker Services flight operations director Iain Cullen said the approval confirmed the aircraft’s ability to offer the same high-level of safety to crew and passengers in a three-hour flight as it would provide during a one-hour journey.

"It also means shorter flight times as we will be able to take more direct routes and reduce fuel consumption, saving money for the UK MOD," Cullen said.

The RAF expect to gain ETOPS clearance in accordance with the military aviation authority in late 2013.

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Having signed a 27-year, £10.5bn private finance initiative contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in March 2008 for the delivery of 14 Voyagers, AirTanker has so far handed over four aircraft to the RAF.

A derivative of Airbus Military’s A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), Voyager is designed to replace the RAF’s existing L-1011 and VC10 tanker/transport aircraft, which are approaching the end of their service life, for air transport and tanker operations.

Primarily operated by the service’s 10 Squadron, the twin Rolls-Royce Trent 772B jet engine-powered aircraft is also flown by AirTanker Services as a certified civilian aircraft for charter flights, when not in military use.

Image: A Royal Air Force’s Airbus A330 Voyager aircraft stationed at Airbus facility in Getafe, Spain. Photo: courtesy of Angel Nikolov.

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UK Defence Journal

RAF making light use of Voyager surge aircraft

It has been revealed that the RAF have been making very light use of Voyager surge aircraft available to, reflecting best practice for the surge fleet and suggesting the mixture of operational and surge aircraft is appropriate.

14 Voyagers are in the UK’s fleet, nine are in the RAF’s “core” capability and the other five are considered “surge” aircraft and are often leased to airlines when not required.

It should be noted that one or two of the surge fleet remain in the Air Tanker livery and are ofte flown permanently on MoD transport duties to the Falkands, Canada and locations.

We have been informed that MoD is making excellent use of some of the surge Voyagers.

The information comes in the form of a response to a written parliamentary question.

Asked by Andrew Gwynne (MP for Denton and Reddish): “To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of aircraft in the Voyager surge fleet has been used by the Royal Air Force in each month since the first aircraft of that fleet was delivered.”

Answered by: Philip Dunne (Minister for Defence Procurement) “Voyager surge aircraft are owned by AirTanker Services Ltd and leased to civil airlines. No Voyager surge aircraft have been recalled to the military aircraft register for use by the Royal Air Force’s Voyager Squadrons. However, there have been seven occasions when Civilian registered Voyager surge aircraft have been chartered for individual tasks to transport troops.”

The A330 MRTT can be modified to carry up to 380 passengers in a single class configuration, allowing a complete range of configurations from maximised troop transport to complex customisation suitable for VIP and guest missions.

Available configurations include 300 passengers in a single class and 266 passengers in two classes. The A330 MRTT can also be configured to perform Medical Evacuation missions; up to 130 standard stretchers can be carried.

In 2015 it was announced that an RAF Voyager will be refitted to carry government ministers or members of the Royal Family for official visits. The refit is to cost £10 million but would save about £775,000 annually compared to the current practice of chartering flights. This aircraft will be fitted with 158 seats.

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why refit one for vip’s ? cant they just fly in normal seats like every one else

Julian

I believe that some of the refit cost is for secure government comms so nothing to do with seating. I’ve also read somewhere that the seating is more akin to good flat-bed business class seating than billionaire private jet mult-room suites. I actually hope that last bit isn’t true and is downplaying the accomodation a bit. For the biggest VIPs, e.g. whomever happens to be Prime Minister at the time, I would consider £10m of my taxpayer money to be very well invested if it is spend on seating and beds that ensure that the PM arrives as rested as …  Read more »

David Anthony Simpson

This is very misleading and has to be read in the precise context of the question and answer. Note the answer referred to any of the 5 surge aircraft being returned to the military register – in effect for “combat” operational duties. So it’s not surprising little use has been made of the Surge aircraft given that the 9 on the mil reg are more than able to cope with the operational duties extant at present – AAR training, UK AD QRA, Cyprus/Syria, Falkands AAR QRA and AAR combat ac rangers to Ex Red Flag etc. What the parliamentary answer …  Read more »

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raf voyager fleet list

  • Aviation and the environment

Royal Air Force completes world-first sustainable fuel military transporter flight

The RAF and industry partners have carried out a world-first 100% sustainable fuel flight using a military aircraft of its size, and the first of any aircraft type in the UK.

Voyager plane

  • First time an aircraft has flown in the UK using 100% sustainable aviation fuel on all engines
  • Potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% while improving operational effectiveness
  • Another key step by the RAF towards achieving Net Zero by 2040

An RAF Voyager – the military variant of an Airbus A330 – took to the skies over Oxfordshire powered entirely by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), paving the way for a range of possibilities for the future of flying military and civilian aircraft.

The flight, which took place on Wednesday, was a joint endeavour between the RAF, DE&S and industry partners Airbus, AirTanker and Rolls-Royce, with the fuel supplied by Air bp.

Sustainable aviation fuel – which is made from waste-based sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil – reduces lifecycle carbon emissions on average by up to 80% compared to the conventional jet fuel it replaces, lessens the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains, and improves operational resilience.

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said:

The Royal Air Force has flown the UK’s first military air transport flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel on one of their operational Voyager aircraft. They should be rightly proud of this achievement; it is a breakthrough moment for the RAF and an exciting development for the MOD. Through the RAF’s pioneering spirit, expertise and partnership with UK industry, British science and engineering is leading the way in improving operational resilience and developing future operating capability in a climate-changed world.

Different approaches will suit different platforms and environments. As such, a range of alternative fuel options are being looked at to ensure the UK is at the forefront of this developing technology.

This success follows last November’s small aircraft UK flight powered by 15 litres of synthetic gasoline – another world-first led by the RAF. Synthetic fuel is made from water and carbon dioxide, which is then put under pressure and an electric current run through it.

Wednesday’s 90-minute flight from RAF Brize Norton, flown by a combined RAF, Rolls-Royce and Airbus flight test crew, replicated an air-to-air refuelling sortie and was witnessed by senior RAF and industry representatives. It demonstrated the RAF’s potential for its future operational capability, ensuring the ability to contribute to UK defence wherever and whenever required.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said:

Climate change is a transnational challenge that threatens our resilience, our security and our collective prosperity. That is why I have set the RAF the ambitious challenge of becoming the world’s first net-zero Air Force by 2040. The way we power our aircraft will be key to meeting that challenge and the RAF is already thinking about how we will operate beyond fossil fuels. This exciting trial flight of a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an important milestone on that journey, and marks another technological first for the RAF alongside our industry partners.

Engineers from Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft and Defence and Space divisions have been working with the RAF, Rolls-Royce and Airtanker testing the aircraft’s performance and handling on the ground and in the air in preparation for the final flight with both engines powered by 100% SAF.

Aviation Minister at the Department for Transport, Baroness Vere said:

Our Jet Zero Strategy made clear that sustainable aviation fuels are key to greener flight for both military and civilian aviation. This is a win for the planet and a testament to British ingenuity. We have launched the £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund to kickstart a homegrown SAF industry, as well as challenging the sector to deliver the first net zero transatlantic flight next year.

This breakthrough test flight is just one of the ways the RAF is actively working to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions produced by flying its aircraft. Other innovations have included a world-first, record breaking microlight flight using synthetic fuel, flying an electric aircraft at RAF Cranwell and creating fuel from genetically modified bacteria.

While continuing to fulfil the priority focus of protecting the nation, the sustainable aviation fuel could mark a step-change towards the RAF’s goal to be Net Zero by 2040. Working towards the Government’s Net Zero 2050 goal and Jet Zero Strategy, the RAF also plans for their first Net Zero airbase by 2025.

In addition to supporting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force Commander in Chief HM King Charles III has also supported an increase in its adoption in the private sector though the Sustainable Markets Initiative . The SMI is a network of global CEOs from across all industries, working together to accelerate a sustainable future in line with its mandate. Part of the SMI’s work is raising awareness of SAF amongst the business community and encourage greater SAF uptake in corporate travel in addition to increased purchase agreements to encourage demand from the public and private sectors.

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Simple Flying

5 interesting aircraft that you didn't know the uk's raf used.

Delving into five lesser-known aircraft from the RAF fleet.

The United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF) is the world's oldest and the first independent air force. The RAF was founded on April 1st, 1918, by synthesizing the Royal Naval Air Service and the British Army's Royal Flying Corps. Today, the RAF is recognized as one of the world's most formidable air forces, taking the 15th spot in the 2024 global ranking of " Military Aircraft Fleet Strength by Country " by Global Fire Power, which is a statistics-based website tracking defense-related information from 145 nations from around the world.

The RAF fleet is diverse, encompassing combat aircraft, transport and tanker aircraft, helicopters, reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, and training aircraft. This article will spotlight five aircraft integral to the Royal Air Force operations you didn't know were used by the RAF.

1 Harrier Jump Jet

First vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to enter operational service..

The Harrier Jump Jet is the first successful military jet capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing (VTOL) operations. It was designed and first manufactured in the early 1960s by British-based company Hawker Siddeley Aviation, and the Harrier made its maiden flight on December 28th, 1967. Two years later, in 1969, the Harrier was introduced to the market, filling a significant void in the military aviation market. While it was developed by Hawker Siddeley (which became part of BAE Systems in 1977), the aircraft was produced in two generations and four variants in partnership with aircraft manufacturer McDonnell Douglas (purchased by Boeing in 1997). The four versions of the Harrier family include the British Aerospace Sea Harrier, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, BAE Systems /Boeing AV-8B Harrier II, and BAE Systems/Boeing Harrier II. Although it is a capable jet in other aspects, its VTOL capabilities were its most notable feature. The need for an aircraft with VTOL first arose during the Korean War, and multiple companies in the United States and the United Kingdom began working on a plane that could operate from a network of vulnerable runways. Although the last Harrier Jet was produced in 2003, it continues to operate.

The RAF began using the Harrier in 1969, and the Royal Navy followed suit and operated the Sea Harrier. In 2000, the RAF and Royal Navy Harriers joined forces to create the Joint Force Harrier, based at RAF Cottesmore. During Harries's 40 years in the RAF, it operated in many conflicts, such as Bosnia, Iraq, Sierra Leone, the Second Gulf War, and Afghanistan. That said, the aircraft is most well known for its role in the Falklands War in 1982. During its 40 years of service in the RAF, which ended in December 2010, 143 Harriers were operated by the Joint Force Harrier. In 2011, after retiring its fleet a year earlier, the RAF sold its remaining 74 Harrier jump jets to the United States Marine Corps for spare parts.

2 A330 MRTT

Multi-role aircraft capable of military transport and aerial refueling..

The Airbus A330 MRTT (Multirole Tanker Transport) is the military derivative of the A330-200 airliner. It undertook its maiden voyage on June 17th, 2007, and formally entered service on June 1st, 2011, with the Royal Australian Air Force launch customer. According to Airbus , the aircraft can carry up to 300 passengers on the main deck while transporting cargo on the lower deck, accommodating up to 37 tonnes of cargo. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defense, in January 2004, announced its intention to order the A330 MRTT, which would serve as the backbone for tanking for RAF, replacing dated TriStar and VC10 tankers. In March 2008, the RAF ordered 14 A330 MRTT. The RAF's first A330 MRTT made its maiden flight in September 2010, with the second MRTT for the RAF making its maiden flight a month later in October 2010. In June 2011, the first MRTT entered service with the RAF, and in July 2016, the RAF took delivery of its fourteenth and final A330 MRTT.

Today, the RAF operates two versions of the A330 MRTT-designed Voyager KC MK2 and Voyager MK3, none of which feature the Aerial Refueling Boom System. The former boasts two Cobham 905E under-wing air refueling pods, while the latter is fitted with a Cobham 805E Fuselage Refueling Unit and the under-wing pods. While the RAF uses its fleet of A330s to provide aerial refueling service, the RAF also uses them for VIP transport. Not only has the A330 MRTT made headways due to its advanced technology, but it can also operate with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). In November 2022, the RAF, in collaboration with Airbus, performed the world's first 100% SAF flight using an "in-service military aircraft." Moreover, in April 2023, the RAF used its MRTT Voyager to perform an in-flight refueling mission with a blended SAF. The aircraft was fueled with 43% SAF and successfully refueled four Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.

Royal Air Force Completes First 100% Sustainable Fuel A330 MRTT Flight

3 britten-norman defender, turboprop multirole utility aircraft..

Developed from the Islander, a civil transport aircraft produced by Britten-Norman, the Defender was designed as a multirole utility aircraft for casualty evacuation, utility transport, patrol, surveillance, air control, light attack, and counter-insurgency. The RAF ordered four BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 aircraft in January 2004. By October 2004, the first Defender was delivered to the RAF and immediately deployed to Iraq; by September 2006, the fourth Defender was delivered to the RAF. Then, in September 2006, the RAF ordered five additional standard examples and a trainer.

Between 2006 and 2009, the RAF fleet of Defenders played a pivotal role for the United Kingdom in the second conflict in Iraq. The RAF fleet of Defenders was equipped with sensors and an infrared camera, allowing it to operate reconnaissance missions while also being used to ferry special forces troops. Between November 2010 and 2012, the fleet of Defenders was deployed to Afghanistan, where the type flew daily missions for the RAF. Following its deployment in Afghanistan, the aircraft served many law enforcement purposes, including the performance of daily flyovers during the 2012 London Summer Olympics. On June 30th, 2021, the RAF retired the Defender from operational service, and in July 2021, the RAF sold its fleet of nine Defenders back to Britten-Norman.

4 Avro Vulcan Bomber

The first delta-winged bomber was pivotal in deterrence using great britain's nuclear force..

RAF commissioned the Avro Vulcan Bomber as a medium-range bomber that could transport one 10,000 pounds bound to a target 1,500 nautical miles away as part of the British atomic weapon program in response to specification B 35/46 from the Ministry of Supply. It was designed and built by manufacturer A.V. Roe and Company, and the plane first flew successfully in 1952, with the RAF taking delivery of its first Vulcan in September 1956. Between 1956 and 1965, over 130 Vulcan were produced for the RAF. There were two variations of the Vulcan, the B1 and B2, with the B2 variant developed four years after the B1. As such, the B2 featured an improved design and advanced features such as more powerful engines, electronic jamming equipment, modified wing, and inflight refueling capability.

Throughout its 30 years of service in the RAF, the Vulcan played multiple roles, including carrying the United Kingdom's first nuclear weapon and operating in a role of nuclear deterrence. It served as a conventional bomber and had different armaments during training missions. Vulcans were used for surveillance roles and performed maritime radar reconnaissance missions around the British Isles in 1973. Not to mention, six Vulcans were converted to aerial refuelers briefly as the RAF awaited delivery of its next-generation tankers. The Falklands War between the United Kingdom and Argentina in 1982 marked the only time the aircraft operated in combat. During the war, it served as a conventional bomber and dropped bombs on targets as part of Operation Black Buck. By 1984, the RAF had retired its fleet of Vulcans from the force.

Why Did The UK's RAF Retire The Avro Vulcan Bomber?

5 vickers vc10, initially designed and used as a civil airliner, many were converted for military transport and tanker aircraft..

Although the Vickers VC10 was first introduced in 1964 as a commercial airliner, the manufacturer also designed a military version of the quad-engined aircraft and far outlasted its civilian counterparts. British manufacturer Vickers-Armstrong had been manufacturing planes since 1927, with an emphasis on military aircraft. Then, following World War II, Vickers began building the VC, the largest and last passenger aircraft the manufacturer produced. From the get-go, military operators, especially the RAF, were interested in the VC10 before it took to the skies, as the jet was initially designed in collaboration with the RAF. The Vickers 1000, an aircraft variant, was intended for military transport. However, according to BAE Systems , the RAF interest only lasted a short period as they did not have enough capital to bankroll the plane's development.

However, the RAF's interest in the VC10 soon returned. The RAF was especially keen on the VC10's capabilities in hot and dry environments, culminating with its powerful engines. The RAF placed its first order for five VC10s in September 1961, then ordered six more VC10s in August 1992, and finally ordered three additional VC10s in July 1964. Just two years after the VC10 entered commercial service, the RAF took delivery of its first VC10 in December 1966. Over the following two years, the RAF expanded its fleet to amass 14 VC10s. These aircraft served in transportation and freight roles and began operating VIP flights for the government and the Royal Family. Then, in 1977, the RAF, in collaboration with British Aerospace, converted nine VC10s and Super VC10s.

COMMENTS

  1. Voyager

    ROLE. Voyager is the RAF's sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport. The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft.

  2. The Fleet Of The UK's Royal Air Force In 2024

    The United Kingdom Royal Air Force ... Envoy IV CCI, and Voyager comprise the RAF's transport fleet. The Atlas conducts tactical airlift missions and provides strategic oversize lift capabilities. It can carry a 37-tonne (81,571 lbs) payload - including 116 fully-equipped troops, vehicles, and helicopters - over 2,000 nautical miles (2,301 ...

  3. About Voyager

    The 14-strong fleet provided to the RAF consists of seven two-point and seven three-point capable tankers and all nine aircraft within the 'core fleet' are operating from Voyager's Oxfordshire home-base at RAF Brize Norton. Capable of performing Air Transport, Aeromedical and Air-to-Air Refuelling roles simultaneously, the Voyager ...

  4. RAF Voyagers on patrol

    The first Voyager sortie to NATO's eastern flank came at 0721hrs on February 24, 2022 to refuel RAF Typhoons on combat air patrol (CAP) in northeast Europe, just hours after Russia's invasion. Providing reassurance to other NATO members on the eastern flank is what these missions are still all about. The Voyagers can come under the auspices ...

  5. RAF's largest aircraft officially named Voyager

    Voyager, together with the C-17, C-130J and the A400M transport aircraft, will provide the RAF with a truly world class fleet of aircraft, underpinning the global reach that is vital to our ...

  6. About the A330 Voyager

    Voyager is a military derivative of the Airbus A330-200 Airliner. It is designed as a dual role air-to-air refuelling and air transport aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets and Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) giving Voyager the capability to also refuel large aircraft, such A400M.

  7. The Royal Air Force Voyager Fleet

    ZZ343 (1610) Where to see the RAF Voyager Fleet. As with most of the RAF's tanker and transport aircraft, the A330 Voyagers are based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, about 1.5 hours' drive north of London. The aircraft fly for both 10 Squadron and 101 Squadron which have their home at the air base. On operational duties you will ...

  8. Aircraft detail

    Headline facts. Voyager is the largest aircraft in the RAF fleet with a length of 58.82m, wingspan of 60.3m and height of 17.39m. Powerplant: two Rolls Royce Trent 7002b Turbofans each producing 72,000lbs thrust. Maximum speed Mach 0.86 (approx.655mph) Maximum range at full cargo and passenger capacity: 4,500 nautical miles (5,200miles)

  9. Latest Voyager arrival completes 'core' fleet for RAF

    The ninth Airbus A330 Voyager from the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme touched down at the Royal Air Force's Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire on 29 May, completing the service's ...

  10. RAF's A330 Voyager fleet secures approval for extended operations

    A derivative of Airbus Military's A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), Voyager is designed to replace the RAF's existing L-1011 and VC10 tanker/transport aircraft, which are approaching the end of their service life, for air transport and tanker operations. Primarily operated by the service's 10 Squadron, the twin Rolls-Royce Trent ...

  11. Air transport of the British royal family and government

    The aircraft, the RAF VIP Voyager, retained the standard Royal Air Force grey livery and continued its primary military duties when not in use by the government. Its first use as a VIP transport was on 8 July 2016, when it was used to take government ministers from London Heathrow airport to the 2016 NATO conference in Warsaw, Poland.

  12. VIP RAF Voyager Returns to Operational Duties

    26 Jun 2020. Following the arrival of the RAF VIP Voyager to its base at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, post the completion of its smart new paint scheme, the aircraft returned to its primary role supporting operational training today acting as a 'petrol station in the sky' offering Air-to-Air refuelling (AAR) to RAF Lightning and Typhoon ...

  13. Voyager, biggest plane in RAF history, arrives in UK

    The largest aircraft in RAF history has arrived in the UK for the first time. The new tanker and transport plane - named the Voyager - is almost 60m (197ft) long and has a 60m wingspan.

  14. List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force

    Many aircraft types have served in the British Royal Air Force since its formation in April 1918 from the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service.This is a list of RAF aircraft, including all currently active and retired types listed in alphabetic order by their RAF type name.For just those aircraft currently in service, see List of active United Kingdom military aircraft.

  15. Vespina (aircraft)

    ZZ336 Vespina is based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire [1] [5] [7] and is operated alongside the main fleet of RAF Voyagers [5] [7] by No. 10 Squadron RAF [13] (affectionately known as 'Shiney Ten'). [5] [4] [14] Whilst on VIP duties, Vespina is operated by a typical crew of thirteen, consisting of its two flight deck crew (pilot and co ...

  16. Royal Air Force

    Disclaimer. 1 The average fleet age is based on our own calculations and may differ from other figures. Only supported aircraft types that are active with this airline are included in the calculations. Please refer to the current fleet list to see each aircraft's individual age. 2 Future records only include new-built aircraft close to delivery and expected second-hand deliveries.

  17. RAF Voyager demonstrates large aircraft refuelling capability

    A Royal Air Force Voyager has demonstrated an often forgotten capability, by carrying out an air to air refuelling training sortie with a C-130J Hercules. ... The Voyager therefore remains a vital component of the air-mobility fleet which gives the RAF the ability to enhance the delivery of air power world wide. Read more about our RAF aircraft ...

  18. List of active United Kingdom military aircraft

    Toggle Royal Air Force subsection. 1.1 RAF Red Arrows. 1.2 RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. 2 Army Air Corps. 3 Fleet Air Arm. 4 Ministry of Defence. 5 UK Military Flying Training System. 6 See also. 7 Notes. 8 References. 9 External links. Toggle the table of contents. ... Airbus Voyager: Spain: Jet: Tanker / Transport: 2011: 12: 12

  19. RAF making light use of Voyager surge aircraft

    June 22, 2016. 4. It has been revealed that the RAF have been making very light use of Voyager surge aircraft available to, reflecting best practice for the surge fleet and suggesting the mixture of operational and surge aircraft is appropriate. 14 Voyagers are in the UK's fleet, nine are in the RAF's "core" capability and the other ...

  20. Aircraft

    Profiles of all the RAF's active aircraft - role, capability, specifications, recognition, history, current squadrons and stations.

  21. Royal Air Force completes world-first sustainable fuel military

    An RAF Voyager - the military variant of an Airbus A330 - took to the skies over Oxfordshire powered entirely by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), paving the way for a range of ...

  22. Airbus A330 MRTT

    Design and development Starboard refuelling pod on a Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager Centre refuelling boom under the tail of a RAAF KC-30A RAAF KC-30A refuelling control station. Refuelling systems are controlled by an operator in the cockpit, who can view the refuelling on 2D and 3D screens The A330 MRTT cabin can be reconfigured to carry passengers. The Airbus A330 MRTT is a military ...

  23. 5 Interesting Aircraft That You Didn't Know The UK's RAF Used

    Manufacturer: Airbus. Number in RAF fleet: 14. The Airbus A330 MRTT (Multirole Tanker Transport) is the military derivative of the A330-200 airliner. It undertook its maiden voyage on June 17th, 2007, and formally entered service on June 1st, 2011, with the Royal Australian Air Force launch customer.