Defence Business: MRTT bedding down | ADM July 2012
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.