Future RAF tanker

From a report from Defense Systems Daily, two formal bids have been entered for the UK’s replacement for their VC-10 and L-1011 tanker replacements, one with the A330-200 and the other with the 767-200:

“The RAF currently has the world’s second largest aerial tanker fleet, consisting of modified VC-10 and Tristar airliners. However, these will need to be replaced by the end of the decade, under a programme known as the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA). Two consortia are bidding to replace the aircraft:

– AirTanker, formed by FRA Cobham, EADS, Thales, Halliburton Brown & Root, and Rolls Royce.

– Tanker & Transport Service Co Ltd, formed by BAE SYSTEMS, Boeing, Serco, and Spectrum Capital. They will offer the Boeing 767.

The successful consortium will be responsible for providing and maintaining the aircraft, making the necessary number of tankers available as military needs dictate. However, in periods of lower operational activity, the aircraft would be available to them for commercial work.

The proposals from industry will be subject to detailed assessment and negotiation, before a final decision on the programme is taken in 2002. If a PFI solution is still the best option, a contract is likely to be awarded in 2003, with a life of some 27 years, and the first aircraft entering service between 2007 and 2009.

AirTanker’s bid is for a ‘core’ Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) AAR and transport service, of around ten new Airbus A330-200 aircraft, to be based at RAF Brize Norton and flown by RAF pilots and be supported and maintained by both RAF as well as civilian staff.

A330, engaged in a proximity trial with a Rafale
AirTanker has selected the A330-200, saying it offers the best overall solution to meet the strategic AAR and air transport (AT) requirements. Its modern design facilitates development growth potential and counters long term obsolescence better than any of its competitors. It has a huge fuel off-load capability and is unequalled in towline performance. All fuel is carried internally and with no need for auxiliary tanks the aircraft is genuinely dual AAR and AT capable.

Richard Huckle, managing director of AirTanker, commented: “AirTanker possesses the necessary skills, services and products to deliver the full range of FSTA requirements, on time, to cost and with minimum risk. AirTanker will make a considerable long-term investment in the UK’s aerospace and electronics industrial base. The company, if successful, will create and sustain many jobs throughout the UK in the defence, aerospace, services and electronics sectors, during the 27 year programme lifetime.”

Rolls-Royce’s latest Trent engines will power the aircraft and the company will be responsible for through-life engine support. Cobham will provide the flight refuelling operations and aircraft conversions. Thales is providing the Mission Avionics Sub System as well as mission planning, datalinks, communications, defensive aids and synthetic training systems. Brown & Root will provide the support services, drawing upon its extensive UK MoD support infrastructure. EADS will supply the platforms and integrate the aircraft systems to provide AirTanker with a fit for purpose tanker.”

I think the choice made here will be of great importance, as whoever gets the go ahead will have a head-start when it comes to marketting their solution to other nations, such as Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and even the USA (although I think the KC-767’s pretty much a done deal for replacements of KC-135).

Personally, I think there’s so little separating these two that it doesn’t really matter who gets the pick, which is why I think the A330-200 bid will win due to the A330’s slightly better performance as a tanker/freighter (due primarily to bigger size) and off course the political brownie points such a choice will score. What do you guys think?

MinMiester