MRTT makes 1st sortie for RAF

9/4/2012
Known as the Voyager in RAF service, the aircraft
took off from RAF Brize Norton for a training
sortie around the United Kingdom to allow the
AirTanker crew to familiarise themselves with
the aircraft and achieve the first part of the
Voyager crew training schedule.
The Voyager aircraft was delivered by Airbus
Military to AirTanker, the company formed to
operate and support the Voyager for the UK
Ministry of Defence under the Future Strategic
Transport Aircraft programme, at the end of last
year.
The Voyager aircraft represents a new standard
in tanker/transport technology and will provide
the RAF with the world´s most advanced air-to-
air refueling, passenger transport and
aeromedical capability. As a modern and
efficient aircraft, the Voyager is quieter and
more fuel-efficient than any other aircraft
currently based at RAF Brize Norton – the RAF´s
primary transport/tanker base.
Airbus Military has to deliver 14 converted
aircraft to AirTanker, of which two have already
been converted from the basic A330-200 in
Getafe and another two are in conversion at
Cobham facilities in the UK. The Voyager has
military and civil certification and the service will
operate aircraft on both the military and civilian
registers.
Antonio Caramazana, Programme Director
Airbus Military Derivatives, said: "It is a proud
day for everyone involved with the A330 MRTT
programme to see the Voyager in service with
the RAF. We look forward to many years of
successful operation of the aircraft by
AirTanker."
Phil Blundell, Chief Executive of AirTanker said:
"The aircraft is a magnificent airframe which
combines efficiency, effective tasking capability
and reliability. The programme brings together
the best of the civilian aviation industry with
military operational expertise and will offer an
innovative and multi-functional capability to
meet the demands of the 21st Century."