June 2008
The first Airbus A330 had arrived in Australia for conversion to a KC-30B Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) under Project AIR 5402.
The aircraft, which is the first of four Airbus A330s to be modified in Australia, arrived at the Qantas Australian Conversion Centre at Brisbane Airport after departing the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.
http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/news/ontarget/2008/jun08/nb2.cfm
Don't mix up first for conversion with first A330 MRTT for Australia. Australia's first tanker is already converted and flying.
Just like the KC-767 for Japan and Italy They have Flown and are delivered. which the KC-767AT is derived from.
The KC-767 for Italy have not been delivered yet. See my last post above.
Delivered late Due to Japan wanting FAA certification.
The Royal Australian Air Force's first KC-30B Multi-role Tanker/Transport is being readied for its final phase of ground and flight testing, which will clear the way for a 2009 delivery of the world's most advanced aerial tanker platform to a key U.S. ally.
The KC-30B successfully completed Phase I flight testing in just three months earlier this year. During Phase I, the MRTT flight envelope was explored and expanded, aerodynamic and performance data gathered, and aircraft handling qualities validated with the full-up aerial refueling boom and wing pod systems installed. The KC-30B achieved all Phase I objectives, including demonstration that the modified aircraft is free from buffet and flutter throughout the flight envelope. The Phase 1 testing obtained all test data required to support civil certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Certification by EASA may include the required speed limits for US Air Force.
“KC-767AT is derived from” is not correct. “KC-767AT will be derived from” or “KC-767AT may be derived from.” is better.
Never build,
never flown,
never tested.
Boeing to stick with KC-767 for US tanker recompete
FARNBOROUGH 2008: EADS to offer unchanged aircraft in relaunched KC-X contest
Oh well I’m sure that the Congress and Senate will kill the Scarebus anyway especially after the DOD is Changing the RFP again.
Kill the French P.O.S. Save american jobs and give us the Tanker that was requested in the Original RFP.
And that is what alot of air crews are saying on different Tanker blogs. Let alone at the Base Clubs.