Australian KC-30A successfully refuels USAF F-35s

CANBERRA, Australia, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The Royal Australian Air Force's KC-30A has successfully demonstrated its capability to refuel F-35 Lightning II fighters in flight.

The demonstration took place in September and October in the United States while operating from Edwards Air Force Base in the California.

The Australian Department of Defense said the RAAF KC-30A flew 12 sorties with a U.S. Air Force F-35As and refueled the fighters using a 50-foot advanced refueling boom system in its tail.

During the sorties a total of 479 dry and 24 wet contacts with the refueling receptacle on the F-35A were made and 104 tons of fuel transferred.

"These trials are another important step in building KC-30A capability and the results will inform the training practices of current and future RAAF personnel on both aircraft types," said Wing Commander Grant Kelly, the KC-30A Transition and Receiver Clearance Manager.

"Air-to-air refueling will be an important 'force multiplier' for the F-35A fleet, considerably boosting their range and endurance, or allowing them to carry bigger payloads."

In addition to the advanced refueling boom system, or ARBS, in its tail, the KC-30A also is equipped with hose-and-drogue refueling pods that are compatible with F-18 aircraft.

"The impact of the KC-30A is already being felt in the Middle East region, where the ARBS and hose-and-drogue capabilities are enabling RAAF and coalition aircraft to fly sorties of more than 10 hours," Kelly said.

"After more than a year of deployed KC-30A operations, it has built a reputation as the ... tanker of choice."

Australia currently has five of the aircraft, which are based on the Airbus A330 commercial aircraft.