I see the MOD is to put out to tender a proposal to obtain 20 in flight tankers. They would be passenger/cargo with refuelling equipement. When not required for duty they could be used for commercial flights. Two proposals one using A330s and the other B767s are expected. There was talk some months ago of the operator leasing a RAF airfield (Brize?) With its large fuel storage facilities as its base and also use it for commercial operations. It looks a step closer.
mmitch.
By: TTP - 4th May 2003 at 13:45
Gentlemen,
As a USAF pilot who refuels evry month for actual missions and currency, there are alot of factors that go into this decision, many of which are far more complicated than “political” arguments.
For example the A-330 is deemed by many to be too large, also I have heard something along the lines that the wing loading is such that it causes much more turbulance to the tanking aircraft, also another argument concerning “wing-bending” issues. I’m not an engineer so please feel free to correct me. I do know the USAF is buying some 767’s and fleet commonality with NATO will be a big factor. Don’t view this as another instance of US forceing EU to buy American products, there are some serious limitations concerning the 330 airframe that make it less desireable for refueling purposes. I think the better option is maybe an A-300 version, but it wouldn’t have the range needed.
By: EGNM - 30th April 2003 at 22:47
yea either proposals would bak british as it be!
By: pierrepjc - 30th April 2003 at 22:18
Very good bit of business in it?
RAF buy Airbus- Airbus UK (BAE Systems) supply wings.
RAF buy B767 (Ex BA) BAE Systems work with Boeing to convert to Tankers.
Sort of heads I win,tails you lose. 🙂
By: Mark L - 30th April 2003 at 11:05
The interesting thing is though, Boeing are working in conjunction with BAe on this one. Directly against Airbus!
By: pierrepjc - 29th April 2003 at 22:58
Must be a fleet of brand new A330’s– hang on that would be a first for the RAF— no hand me down aircraft converted to tankers???
By: MSR777 - 29th April 2003 at 19:20
Would be good to see the MoD select the A330 option, thus showing some support for UK aerospace companies/Airbus participants. ie: the wing constructors (Bae Systems) the engine builders (RR) and others.
By: wysiwyg - 29th April 2003 at 10:14
Virgin have always had a special relationship with the RAF which includes using BN for touch and go’s and exchange flights between RAF and Virgin flightcrews.
By: T5 - 28th April 2003 at 01:08
Regardless of it’s location, Brize Norton certainly has just about everything that Virgin could possibly want for their passengers.
By: Transall - 27th April 2003 at 22:39
Isn’t Brize Norton a bit remote for commercial operations?
By: wysiwyg - 27th April 2003 at 19:18
Flying Colours were in talks with the MOD about this a few years ago.
By: Mark L - 26th April 2003 at 20:56
The 20 B767’s are reputedly coming from BA, which is interesting as they have said that they are not getting rid of them!
By: EGNM - 26th April 2003 at 20:10
well its out for tender the bid to commercial organisations – like everything been privatised away from government – i reckon that it’ll b a partnership of companies such as Rolls Royce teaming up with Boeing and ? then BAe Systems, Airbus and ? – putting together a package – will be interesting to see who wins – bearing in mind the B767 ith be in service as a KC with the USAF first…
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April 25, 2003 at 7:32 pm