In February the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) announced that the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft have reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

Image supplied by Andrew Mclaughlin, courtesy of Airbus Military

The KC-30A is designed to perform airborne refuelling for air combat aircraft to enhance endurance and range. The KC-30A will also provide a further lift capacity for 270 passengers and has an under-floor freight capacity of 36,000 kg (26 airline containers).

Air Force accepted the fifth and final KC-30A from Airbus Military on 30 November last year and the aircraft was delivered to RAAF Base Amberley in early December 2012. In another milestone, Air Force completed the first domestic pilot and Air Refuelling Operator courses at the KC-30A training centre (RAAF Base Amberley) in December 2012.

Earlier this year, two KC-30A aircraft accompanied seven F/A-18 A/B Hornets to Exercise COPE NORTH in Guam. The exercise successfully demonstrated the aircraft's refuelling capability and capacity.

Further modification and testing is underway to enable the KC-30A to achieve Final Operational Capability, involving the ability to refuel the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, C-17A Globemaster, and other KC-30As.

In the future, the KC-30A will also be able to refuel the P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter when these aircraft enter Air Force service.