Airbus Kc30b Tanker

[Demon50]

This is probably old news to some but I have only just become aware of it.

Airbus is having problems with the flying boom being fitted to the KC30B so the RAAF can expect further delays before it receives it first aircraft, now expected to be in mid to late 2009 at the earliest. This will cause a 12/18 month gap after the last B707 is retired in June 2008.

Also, I recall reading somewhere that Airbus will be beefing up the floor and installing a large cargo door on later KC30s being offered to other Air Forces (ie USAF) so the aircraft will then have a multi role passenger/freight/tanker capability and be an ideal replacement for the many KC135s in operation around the world.

I'm uncertain if the upgrades can be retrofitted to our aircraft but I'm sure the RAAF would like that extra capability.

[herkman]

I do not think the booms not being certified will hold up things too much.

The droges are all set to go, and we really will have nothing at the moment which makes the boom essentual.

My understanding is the floor and doors will be a retrofit on early frames, caused by the fact that Airbus had not considered it to be a option, until other customers came along.

Regards

Col

[Demon50]

Hi Col

I sure hope we get the cargo door and strengthened floor retrofitted as that will really boost the KC30B's capability.

Interestingly, I believe the RAAF seriously considered this at the outset and approached Airbus about the alterations. However, the Government vetoed the idea as it didn't want Australia being slugged with all the additional R&D costs on top of the original purchase as the RAAF would have been the first customer wanting them.

Cheers

Bob

[herkman]

I think that Airbus hoping to sell into the USAF, really raised the dollars as far floor frieghter capacity.

If Airbus expect to sell into the worlds military, will mean a change in their thinking about who will pay for what.

If I recall correctly all of the USAF refuelers except for the B29 conversions have had the abilty to carry pax and freight.

Do not blame the RAAF for not wanting to fund the HD floor, could have been very expensive mod at that stage.

Now it is a requirement for the USAF buy, Airbus change their mind because they are up against Boeing, and I suspect there would be a whole series of polly type problems if the USAF bought from Europe.

I may be wrong but I believe frames 4 and 5 will come from the factory with the HD floor.

Regards

Col

[Demon50]

Hi Col

Thanks for your reply.

I was wasn't blaming the RAAF and can well understand why the previous Government didn't want vetoed the idea.

But it's amazing how things change when new players get in the game.

[herkman]

I am pleased to announce, that the Airbus KC30 tanker, using a boom successfully has refueled a F16, with no problems.

If any air force can fast track this project we can.

The airplane used was the demo from Airbus.

Potugual provided the F16

Col