KC-30A MRTT and E-7A Wedgetail conduct Air to Air refuelling testing in the airspace near RAAF Williamtown. *** Local Caption *** Air-to-air refuelling trials between KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and E-7A Wedgetail
From 1-13 June 2015, air-to-air refuelling (AAR) trials were conducted between a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the first time. The KC-30A utilised its 17-metre-long Aerial Refuelling Boom System, which is capable of offloading fuel at up to 4500 litres per minute. During the trials, a total of seven sorties were flown by each aircraft, during which they conducted 118 ‘dry’ contacts with the KC-30A’s refuelling boom, and six ‘wet’ contacts, with a 20 tonnes of fuel being transferred. The trials were conducted under the direction of the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU), and will allow a significant increase in mission range and endurance for the Wedgetail.