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| A KC-30A conducting hose and drogue in-flight refueling |
The Defence Materiel Organisation today announced the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft had been removed from the Projects of Concern list.
Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews is pleased that the KC-30A MRTT aircraft has been removed from the Projects of Concern list after effectively being remediated.
Known as Project Air 5402, the KC-30A MRTT has been a Project of Concern since February 2010 due to delays in delivery by Airbus Defence and Space.
DMO Acting Chief Executive Officer Harry Dunstall said following an extensive development and testing program the issues previously identified with the introduction of the Aerial Refuelling Boom System had been resolved and Defence had formally accepted the capability.
“Resolution of this issue completes the remediation of all activities identified in the project’s remediation plan, and accordingly it has been removed from the list,” Mr Dunstall said.
“Airbus Defence and Space has worked collaboratively with us to address our concerns and I would like to recognise and thank Airbus for their efforts.
“This is a great example of the effectiveness of the Projects of Concern process in remediating troubled projects.”
Project AIR 5402 has delivered five new generation Airbus Military KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft.
These aircraft are capable of in-flight refuelling of current and future ADF aircraft and will provide a significant air logistics services capability.
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| A KC-30A with its in-flight refueling boom lowered |
The KC-30A aircraft has been conducting hose and drogue in-flight refuelling in the RAAF since 2011 and is being used to great effect on current operations in the Middle East.
The recent acceptance of the boom capability paves the way to begin introduction of the boom in-flight refuelling capability into service progressively through 2015.
The boom capability will now undergo operational evaluation and all aircrew will be trained before Air Force can declare a Full Operational Capability.