Defence Business: MRTT bedding down | ADM July 2012

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The last of the MRTTs from Airbus Military will be handed over in October this year, confirmed Francisco Carrasco, Airbus Military’s director of RSAF MRTT program. MRTT #3 was delivered in May 2011, #2 in June 2011, #4 in October 2011 #1 was delivered in December 2011 but retained in Getafe for the boom enhancement program and by the time ADM readers have this edition in their hands #5 should have completed conversion at the Qantas facility in Brisbane and be in Getafe to support #1 in the boom enhancement program. As mentioned, the final aircraft should be in RAAF hands by October this year. The company’s offer of a sixth aircraft, which was submitted earlier this year, has not received any response.

The boom enhancement program that Australia and the company have signed encompasses a range of measures including:

• shaker in the stick for when aircraft to refuel gets closer;

• separate controls for large and small aircraft;

• night vision goggle filter which is compatible with the boom infrared illumination system; and

• new training facilities with improved debriefing capabilities.

Another improvement to the platform is the implementation of classified modes through the radio management system rather than a specific separate unit for the avionics. This capability has already been tested and certified and all these measures will be implemented to the fleet by the end of the year, Carrasco said. Neither the Saudi nor Emirates have requested such measures for their MRTTs. The Australian effort at the moment is focussed on operational aircrew and ground crew training with IOC later this year.

The company was unable to elaborate on the future of the Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measure (LAIRCM) system, admitting that the system must be fitted by Northrop Grumman or approved installer either in the US or Australia. This is the same information the company has been giving for the last two years. The UK program is having their LAIRCM fitted by Thales in the UK.

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