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Voyager: All you need to know about the RAF's fuel station in the sky

The Voyager is the RAF's only air-to-air (AAR) tanker and can also be used as strategic air support.

There are two versions currently in service – the Voyager KC.Mk 2, which has two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and the Voyager KC.Mk 3, which has an extra centreline hose for bigger aircraft.

The aircraft are based in RAF Brize Norton and is flown by 10 Squadron and 101 Squadron.

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Fuel offloaded during the AAR is siphoned off from the Voyager’s wing and fuselage tanks and the cabin holds 291 personnel. Amongst its abilities, the Voyager can 'towline', meaning it can circle around a set area awaiting 'receivers'.

It can also fly with several jets, refuelling them during long-distance journeys, while taking control of the formation and navigation.

Its other purpose is to be a passenger aircraft like a civilian airliner. However, it has a defensive aid suite, therefore, it can supply personnel to theatres around the world. The plane can take palletised or bulk freight in its lower fuselage hold.

Beyond personnel and freight, the Voyager is able to fly with a maximum of 40 stretchers and three critical care patients and it can be used by VIPs like the Prime Minister.

Its first voyage with 10 Squadron was in 2012 as a transport sortie leaving Brize Norton to get to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Following difficulties with some technical issues of the refuelling process, the Voyager started in its role as a fuel tanker in the skies in the summer of 2013. In the same year, 101 Squadron started getting into the air on the Voyage with 10 Squadron and AirTanker’s reservists.

Voyagers are based around the world in places like the Falkland Islands and at RAF Brize Norton.

Notable incidents

In 2021, the Voyager was used by the RAF as part of Operation Pitting  to transport Afghans following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Elsewhere, in the fight against so-called ISIS, Voyager aided Typhoon FGR4s in operations such as Operation Shader. Operation Shader (OP Shader) was the codename for the UK's contribution to the US-led mission against so-called Islamic State (IS).

A Voyager was given a £900,000 makeover during Boris Johnson's time as Prime Minister, with a new paint job changing it from its normal grey colour to red, white, and blue Union Jack styling. 

In addition, the plane has been used to support Typhoons when they intercept Russian jets if they come close to UK airspace in incidents over the years.

RAF Voyager specifications:

• Powerplant: two 71,100lb st (316kN) Rolls-Royce Trent 772B turbofans
• Length: 192ft 11¾in (58.82m)
• Height: 57ft ½in (17.39m)
• Wingspan: 197ft 10in (60.30m)
• Wing area: 3,892.20sqft (361.60m2)
• Maximum speed: around Mach 0.86
• Typical mission range: capable of delivering around 132,000lb (60,000kg) of fuel during five hours on station at 500nm (930km) from base
• Range with maximum payload: 4,500nm (8,334km)
• Maximum range with maximum fuel: 8,000nm (14,816km)
• Maximum altitude: 41,000ft
• Maximum fuel load: 245,000lb (111,000kg)
• Maximum payload: around 99,000lb (45,000kg)
• Maximum passenger load: 291

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A330 Voyager

Project description.

Voyager is a dual role air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft, currently in service with the Royal Air Force and used by the Prime Minister and Royal Family.

What is the A330 Voyager?

Voyager is a military derivative of the Airbus A330-200 Airliner. It is designed as a dual role air-to-air refuelling and air transport aircraft.

The aircraft is equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets and Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) giving Voyager the capability to also refuel large aircraft, such A400M.

Voyager has a payload of 43 tonnes of freight and 291 seat passenger capacity plus aeromedical evacuation capability (up to 40 stretchers and three critical care patients).

Voyager provides a vital connection between the UK and the Falkland Islands, through the South Atlantic Air Bridge (SAA). The twice-weekly service transports military personnel and civilians from RAF Bridge Norton to the Falklands.

Voyager came into service in 2014 and is currently supporting operations at home and abroad. It will remain in service until 2035. There are a total of 14 aircraft, nine of which are held in the core fleet with a further five held in reserve to meet demand as required.

About the A330 Voyager

One aircraft bears the Union Jack and is fitted with business class seating for VIPs, such as the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family. However, it remains fully capable of aerial refuelling.

In June 2022, Voyager set two new records for non-stop flights between the UK and the Falkland Islands. These record-breaking flights confirmed the capability of the Voyager service to sustain the SAA to the Falklands without having to land for refuelling. The non-stop flights carrying passengers and freight were only possible thanks to DE&S’ cost-effective installation of a Crew Rest Facility on the civil registered Voyager so that relief aircrew could travel on board the aircraft.

In November 2022, DE&S worked with the RAF and industry partners to carry out a world-first 100% sustainable fuel flight using an A330 Voyager. This was the first flight powered completely by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel for a military aircraft of its size, and the first of any aircraft type in the UK. The flight was a joint endeavour between the RAF, DE&S and our industry partners Airbus, AirTanker and Rolls-Royce, with the fuel purchased from Air bp.

A330 Voyager has a colossal 60-metre wingspan and is the largest aircraft ever used by the Royal Air Force.

How is Voyager delivered?

DE&S manages the Voyager Private Finance Initiative contract. This is a 27-year contract awarded to the AirTanker consortium to manage the maintenance, infrastructure, and spares needed to sustain the Voyager programme. The scope of the contract also covers aircrew and ground crew training, including training school instructors and fleet management.

Voyager is one of the highest value private finance initiative (PFI) contract in Government. DE&S plays a crucial role in ensuring maximum value and benefit from the services available, working closely with our industry partners.

Meet the DE&S Voyager delivery team

Become part of the team.

The DE&S Voyager Delivery Team is made up of 40 personnel at MOD Abbey Wood Bristol and RAF Brize Norton. The team manages a contracted service to supply Voyager to the RAF.

Voyager is operated by 10 Squadron and 101 Squadron in the RAF.

Voyager sets new records with non-stop flights to and from the Falkland Islands

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RAF A330MRTT: The Voyager in Action

The RAF variant of the A330MRTT is called the Voyager and was purchased through a public-pirvate partnership approach.

According to the RAF website , the Voyager and its role within the RAF is described as follows:

Voyager is the RAF’s sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport.  The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft. 

Fuel offloaded during AAR is taken from the aircraft’s standard wing and fuselage tanks, leaving the cabin free for up to 291 personnel and the hold available for freight.  As a tanker, capabilities include the ability to operate a ‘towline’, where the Voyager orbits around a prescribed area awaiting ‘receivers’, or in a ‘trail’, where it flies with a number of fast jets, refuelling them over long ranges while taking responsibility for the formation’s fuel and navigation.

Alternatively, it can operate as a passenger aircraft in much the same way as a civilian airliner, but delivering personnel safely into theatre thanks to its defensive aids suite.  Voyager also offers considerable capacity for the movement of palletised and/or bulk freight in its lower fuselage hold.  A versatile aeromedical configuration, including the ability to carry up to 40 stretchers and three critical care patients is available, as is a modest VIP passenger fit. 

TYPE HISTORY

Airbus Industrie launched its combined A340/A330 programme on June 5, 1987.  It aimed to produce a family of closely related widebody airliners based on the four-engined, long-haul A340 and twin-engined, medium-haul A330.  The latter achieved its first flight, with General Electric engines, on November 2, 1992, with the initial Rolls-Royce Trent-powered machine following on January 31, 1994.

Typically for Airbus, the A330’s pilots interact with its fly-by-wire system via sidestick controllers rather than the yoke traditionally associated with large aircraft.  The basic A330-200 and longer A330-300 have been developed into a wide range of subvariants offering revised performance and different maximum take-off weights.

The earlier A310 widebody had found favour with several air arms as the basis for conversion into a military transport or multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), and Airbus recognised the type’s potential as a possible TriStar/VC10 replacement in the early 1990s, trialling a modified aircraft alongside RAF fast jets in 1995.  

It was subsequently expected to offer the A310 MRTT against the UK’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) requirement, announced as a likely private finance initiative (PFI) programme in 2000.  In the event, the procurement process was delayed and although Airbus did not tender, in 2004 the Ministry of Defence announced its intention to acquire a variant of the A330 MRTT.

Under a March 2008 agreement, the AirTanker consortium was selected to provide 14 aircraft under a 27-year contract.  This includes a so-called ‘Core Fleet’ of eight military serialled and one civilian-registered aircraft, supplemented by a ‘Surge Fleet’ of five civilian-registered aircraft that AirTanker uses commercially to generate additional revenue.  The surge aircraft are demodified very close to A330-200 standard and can be recalled for military use if required.

AirTanker owns, manages and maintains the aircraft and provides infrastructure,  support, training facilities and some personnel, in particular Sponsored Reserve pilots and engineers.  Named Voyager in service, the A330 MRTT began RAF operations with 10 Sqn on May 12, 2012, flying an air transport sortie from its Brize Norton home base to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.

Issues with the drogues, or ‘baskets’ into which receivers insert their probes during refuelling operations delayed Voyager’s debut in the tanker role, but these had been overcome by summer 2013 and the aircraft’s ability to deliver fuel to a variety of RAF and allied aircraft expanded very quickly.  Also in 2013, 101 Squadron retired the RAF’s final VC10s and began flying Voyager alongside 10 Sqn and AirTanker’s reservists.

Although it ranges worldwide, Voyager remains home-based at Brize Norton.  One aircraft is always available on the Falkland Islands, primarily in support of the Typhoon QRA jets, but also available to the Hercules.  Another of the type operates the regular airbridge to and from the Falklands and Voyager is making a major contribution to Operation Shader, offloading fuel to RAF Tornados and Typhoons, and a variety of Coalition jets, including US Marine Corps Harriers and F/A-18 Hornets.

The Voyager has provided global reach for the RAF as they have operated their Eurofighters globally.  As then RAF Lossiemouth base commander, Group Captain and now Air Commodore Paul Godfrey put it with regard to their global deployments:

“In my entire time in the Royal Air Force, I’ve not seen a global deployment as we managed at the end of last year with our deployment to Malaysia, Japan and Korea.

Throughout the period we visited the United Arab Emirates, India, Malaysia, Japan, The Republic of Korea, Brunei and back through India, UAE and Greece which is about as global a deployment as you can get.”

And flying with their Voyager is a key part of the global reach effort.

For example, in 2016, RAF Typhoons fly to South Korea to exercise with US and South Korean forces.

According to a news item on the RAF website published on November 8, 2016, between 4 and 10 November 2016, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force hosted “Invincible Shield,” the first ever combined air exercise with the US and the UK.

Four Eurofighter Typhoons from Royal Air Force (RAF) No. 2 Squadron deployed to Osan Air Base in Korea after conducting exercises in Malaysia and Japan. C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, Voyager tanker aircraft, and around 200 RAF personnel will also participate.

And the Voyager carried personnel inside the aircraft and refueled during the deployment from its wings to provide both a lift and tanking capability during the flight to the mission.

Clearly, the Voyager and the A330MRTT are now part of the global allied tanking efforts.

For example, this May, RAF Mildenhall hosted the 5th annual European Tanker Symposium where Voyager was a key participant.

The symposium, held every year since 2012, allows NATO allies to share their experiences, discuss mixed tanker formation standards, and build on tanker integration.

The week-long event included mixed formation academics, discussions and flights in a KC-135 Stratotanker and a Royal Air Force Voyager. Ultimately, the event was to establish and initialize best practices when flying in a multinational formation, and the goal was once again achieved.

“This is one of the first times that we’ve gotten together as European partners to specifically concentrate on these tactics, techniques and procedures on how we operate together,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Mach, 100th Operations Group deputy commander. “Being able to fly on the airplanes, we can all get an idea of the countries that don’t normally do formation flying together, and we can start building those procedures.”

Flying in a multinational tanker formation is something the ETS is trying to safely create. During the days leading to the formation flight, aircrew shared differences in the terminology and procedures they each use.

“I think the procedures have remained largely the same,” said RAF Flt. Lt. Elizabeth Herbert, RAF Voyager captain. “It’s the fundamental basics that are important — remaining a safe distance from each other when you meet up, and ensuring that you can remain in a close formation. It doesn’t really matter what large aircraft you have in that scenario; providing we maintain these techniques, the type of large aircraft – whether currently or in the future – doesn’t matter.” 

The featured photo shows the Voyager bringing the first four F-35s home to Britain from the United States.

The first of Britain’s next-generation fighter jets are set to arrive home tonight, two months ahead of schedule, in a major milestone for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

The F-35s took off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and were flown by British pilots of the newly-reformed 617 Squadron, which was immortalised by the famous Dambusters’ raid during World War II.

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Enjoy These Stunning Shots Of RAF Voyager “Vespina” During Aerial Refueling Ops With RAF F-35Bs And Typhoons

The RAF Voyager “Vespina” has already carried out AAR (Air-to-Air Refueling) operations with RAF Typhoons and Lightning jets earlier today.

Yesterday we reported about the maiden flight of the RAF A330 Voyager ZZ336 with its brand new (and controversal) livery. Following its arrival at RAF Brize Norton airbase, the aircraft was immediately rushed back to its primary task: aerial refueling. On Jun. 26, flying as TARTAN 58, the “special” Voyager took part in AAR ops with RAF Lightning and Typhoon fighters during Exercise CRIMSON OCEAN.

Noteworthy, the tanker and its receivers could be tracked online on ADSBExchange website.

The RAF refers to the aircraft as “Vespina”, from Operation VESPINA, the name for A330 Voyager VIP missions. In fact, the aircraft will perform (along with AAR) transport missions for Government Ministers and the Royal Family.

Exercise CRIMSON OCEAN allows the Royal Navy and RAF to train and hone their ability to deliver routine fighter and helicopter operations in a range of environments from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Lightning aircraft from 617 Squadron have been onboard the carrier since 10 th June when they left their base at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

After the mission, the Royal Air Force posted some really cool aerial shots on their official website, along with a clarification about the way has been painted on the aircraft for all those people who are not aware of the convention among all the air forces for the flag to appear as it flying from a pole on the nose:

Despite appearances the flag design is correct in all respects and follows the convention for the flag to appear as though it is flying from a flag placed on the nose of the aircraft, as it travels through the air. When viewing the starboard side (right hand side), this can give the mistaken impression that the design is backwards, or upside down, when in fact the observer is simply viewing the reverse side of the flag.

• A330 Voyager
• F-35B Lightning

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RAF's largest ever aircraft arrives in the UK

The first of the RAF's future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) arrived in the UK for the first time today. The UK's largest ever military aircraft will be known as 'Voyager'.

The first RAF Voyager transport and tanker aircraft touches down at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire [Picture: Qinetiq]

With a 60m wingspan, and measuring nearly 60m from nose to tail, Voyager, a dual role air-to-air tanker and transport aircraft based around the Airbus A330 airframe, will replace the long-serving VC-10 and Tristar fleet; with the first due in service by the end of the year.

The new aircraft will bring a considerable capability boost, each able to carry 291 troops over 6,000 miles, and to refuel other aircraft, in flight, from a 100,000 litre reservoir - greater than that of two large petrol tankers.

MOD pictures show the aircraft at the MOD’s airfield at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, which will play host to two of the Voyager aircraft during an intensive programme of testing and trials, set to continue into 2012.

On the ground and in the air, the aircraft will be tested in the refuelling role, with Tornado, Sentry, Typhoon and Hercules aircraft. Voyager can refuel aircraft at a rate of 5,000 litres per minute; a standard garage forecourt petrol pump delivers fuel at around 40 litres per minute.

Fourteen Voyager aircraft and a complete support package are being provided to the RAF under a 27 year £10.5bn Private Finance Initiative contract signed with the AirTanker consortium in 2008.

In addition to the aircraft, the package will provide training and maintenance, and new purpose-built buildings at RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s air transport hub.

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, commented:

The arrival of the first Voyager aircraft in the UK marks an important milestone in the process that will see the Royal Air Force equipped with the best available air-to-air refuelling capability, with the first due in service by the end of the year. “Recent events in Libya and the ongoing requirement for air-to-air refuelling over Afghanistan, clearly demonstrate the essential role that air-to-air refuelling plays in getting our aircraft to where they are needed.

Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, responsible for combat support, Air Vice Marshal Phil Osborn, said:

As we have seen over the last few weeks, an effective tanker and transport force is an essential ingredient to this era of expeditionary warfare.

Over the next few years Voyager will join the versatile A400M transport, C-17 strategic airlifter, and well-proven Hercules transport aircraft to form an RAF fleet that can handle any task that comes its way in the future. I look forward to a successful trials programme that will keep the aircraft on track for delivery at the earliest opportunity.

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• RAF Voyagers on patrol

An article from the AirForces Monthly Yearbook 2024, where Alan Warnes interviews the Officer Commanding of 101 Sqn about the increased taskings of the RAF’s Voyagers since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Voyager has revolutionised the way the RAF does its business. Not only can it fulfil a strategic transport role, but the RAF’s ten air-to-air refuelling-configured (AAR) MRTTs can each carry 111 tons of fuel with the capacity to offload a lot to thirsty fighters and larger transport aircraft.

Some of its most notable work in recent years has included Operation Pitting in August 2021, when the Voyager took part in the RAF’s evacuation of Kabul. There have also been regular annual deployments refuelling fighters flying to the likes of Exercise Red Flag at Nellis AFB in the US, while Exercise Pitch Black saw a Voyager escort four Eurofighters around the world to Australia last summer; that was no walk in the park. 

These are all in addition to the standing RAF commitments, supporting air defence quick reaction alerts at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and Mount Pleasant Airfield, Falkland Islands, as well as Eurofighters detached to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus for Op Shader missions over Iraq and Syria.

Full on with AAR

On February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the Voyagers were called upon to support the RAF Typhoon combat air patrols in two completely different areas of Eastern Europe.

Wg Cdr Udall, Officer Commanding of 101 Sqn based at RAF Brize Norton, said of the step up in requirements: “While we are always busy, what we saw was a rapid change in our prioritisation. Whereas in the past we had a balance in our standard air refuelling commitments, and moving people around the world, we suddenly needed to go heavily towards providing AAR into eastern Europe.

“We saw a spike, but the greater challenge was adapting to working under different command and control and in different air space, not knowing what would come next. But we didn’t have to alter our AAR standard operating procedures significantly, it was more of how we got to our area of ops, the routing, flight plans and timings rather than the mechanics of the job. We saw a controlled surge, which we were ready for and our NATO allies supported us very well in their airspace.”

The Voyager Force (VF) had the capacity to confront NATO’s AAR requirement by committing to fewer transport responsibilities. These can be flown by airlines, and, as the VF went all in for AAR, the transport side almost stopped. Wg Cdr Udall added: “The benefits of working with Air Tanker is that their three white aircraft, if available, can easily step up because the company is very familiar with the way we work and there are contractual mechanisms for that. So, in the early days we saw the white fleet taking more of the transport, while the grey fleet got on with AAR.”

The first Voyager sortie to NATO’s eastern flank came at 0721hrs on February 24, 2022 to refuel RAF Typhoons on combat air patrol (CAP) in northeast Europe, just hours after Russia’s invasion. Providing reassurance to other NATO members on the eastern flank is what these missions are still all about. The Voyagers can come under the auspices of NATO or under national command. When they are working with NATO, the likes of French Rafales, German Tornados, Spanish F/A-18 Hornets, US Navy Hornets and all European variants of Eurofighters are refuelled. However, the RAF Voyagers are limited by the fact they are hose and drogue equipped, which means F-16s and other aircraft that are boom-fed, cannot be supplied. It is obviously a disadvantage, but Wg Cdr Udall would not be drawn on whether there are any prospects of that changing. Under national command, which is where the bulk of the work is, it’s not such a problem because most RAF aircraft are fitted with probes to access the drogues.

In the early days there was lots of effort put into integration during the NATO Eastern Flank ops, but progressively the RAF is getting involved in more complex ways. “Quite often we will take Typhoons to Baltic states; we will top them off, so they are pretty full of fuel. They will then do some air-to-air or air-to-ground training – and learn to interoperate [with the likes of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers]. They might do that for a couple of hours, then we will bring them back.

“It’s an easy way for them to train together, without taking a lot of people, or basing spare parts and logistics at another base – it allows them to operate with different nations and achieve that effect from our main bases.”

Of the time in the air, three hours is transiting with the fighters, and that’s because the Voyager is flying between 26,000 and 28,000ft. If they flew higher, as they normally do, then they would reach their destination faster. Three hours allows the Voyager to meet up with the Typhoons over the North Sea, east of RAF Coningsby, and if they are from RAF Lossiemouth that’s a bit further north. Wg Cdr Udall explained: “We give them fuel when they are still close to the UK and top them up when they are a bit closer to the combat air patrol. To make life easier and in case of an issue, we will stick with them, provide weather reports et cetera along the way for nearby airfields, and it’s easier than trying to rendezvous with them again when we get to the CAP.”

Then of course it is another three hours to get back to the UK. The largest amount of fuel to be offloaded to date, is 44 tons, to Typhoons over Poland on CAP.

Wg Cdr Udall added: “There is always a trade off with the longer the Voyagers are airborne because it means they have to give less away. We did consider forward deploying in early stages but we wanted to get the most out of Voyager and the fast jets. We have more flexibility at the main base, we can flip different crews on different tasks, use the aircraft overnight for other activities. Running things from main base is much more efficient. If the CAPs were further afield, there would be a stronger case to forward deploying, as we do at RAF Akrotiri.

“It was felt that the UK to Poland and Baltics was do-able in the flying time the crews were restricted to. If you consider the maximum amount of time the Typhoons are operating (with the discomfort of sitting for hours in an ejection seat) their mission length fits nicely into the maximum flying hours regulation for our tanker crews.”

For NATO missions, the average Voyager sortie is 7hrs 40mins; the longest has been 9hrs 50mins. While they generally stick with the fighters all that time, the near ten hours mission would have meant the Voyager was given another tasking on top of looking after the Typhoons.

When on-station, the Voyager usually has a race-track course in eastern Europe of about 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, the 101 Sqn OC said: “If it’s any smaller, then the tanker is turning a lot and refuelling in the turn is more difficult for the fighter.”

By mid-December, the Voyager Force had flown more than 270 missions (around 1,900 hours) in support of NATO’s reassurance ops. Around 170 missions have been flown from the UK (known as the ‘northern tanker’) and 100 from RAF Akrotiri (‘southern tanker’). With the latter, the Typhoons tend to fly up to the Black Sea around Bulgaria and Romania and the Voyagers support them through Turkey/Greece and bring them back.

Hoses and drogues

There are ten A330 MRTT Voyagers serving the RAF, fitted with two or three hose/drogues, although the Wg Cdr wouldn’t give the precise split. All ten are capable of accommodating the three hose/drogue fit. Of the additional four in the Air Tanker contract, one is used for the Falklands air bridge flown by Air Tanker crews or reservists while the other three are strategic reserves. “They are used by Air Tanker to earn additional revenue to decrease the cost of the contract, but we can use them if required. We could also charter other aircraft for air transport, but we can’t do that with AAR, which is solely our business. The balance varies, but the overall demand is quite high.

The three hose and drogues are never used at the same time, because the RAF doesn’t have the clearances (certification) and as the fighters normally operate in pairs that’s not an issue according to Wg Cdr Udall. The centre hose is used for the heavies like the A400Ms, C-130Js but not the C-17As.

The fleet leader for the NATO ops is ZZ330, which by mid-December had flown more than 56 sorties from RAF Akrotiri, when it was based there. For efficiency, the missions are flown with a standard crew.

Southern tanker

For a long time now, the VF has had an aircraft in Akrotiri, Cyprus and Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, offering a supporting role to the Typhoons there. They are also in the latter to offer an aeromedical evacuation and every now and again they ‘flex’ (as the RAF refers to it) because one might be needed elsewhere or they need to be augmented. “For quite a bit of last year we were conducting Black Sea ops, [around Bulgaria and Romania] so we put an extra aircraft in Cyprus to support NATO’s Black Sea flank,” said Wg Cdr Udall.

“We helped the Typhoons get to/back but during the Typhoon deployment to Mihail Kogalniceanu in Romania last year we were seldom required. While based forward, they didn’t tend to need us as much.

“If they are launching from RAF Akrotiri, we tend to route via Turkish/Greek air space and bring them back again. It’s always better to get them back, than having them land somewhere for fuel to make the most of the assets and reduce the chances of technical issues.”

The Voyagers are an incredibly sought-after aircraft, with around eight of the ten currently being flown by VF almost every day, heavily biased towards AAR, although in the past it has been more evenly balanced. There have been times when it had to skew the other way too, as Wg Cdr Udall explained: “One case was during Op Pitting, when we still had to keep our standard commitments going. During the evacuation of Kabul, the tactical airlifters went forward, and we ensured there was a short notice air bridge into a common safe location, so people could be flown to UK. A lot of the soldiers and RAF personnel enabled the extraction of evacuees, some of whom had never been in an aircraft and were very anxious and often distressed. The tactical air transport aircraft are designed to go into hostile areas fly them back to a safer area, and we provide the air bridge to the UK, because we have the capacity and reach for that strategic lift.”

The A330 MRTT Voyager KC2/3 is an unsung hero, proven over its 11 years of operations, in the strategic airlift and air refueller role – even if it doesn’t have a refuelling boom! afm

A330 MRTT crew

On AAR missions there is a minimum of three personnel in a crew, and if it’s busy it can also include a cabin supervisor. The third member is the boom operator who is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) who will control the hoses via the boom frequencies – clear the fighters behind the hose and monitor how it is going, while the pilots will not just fly the aircraft but monitor air traffic and navigation. The cabin supervisor (also an NCO) will support the three-man crew, with food and drink during the longer missions allowing them to take a break and go to the toilet if required.

Pitch Black

While the 101 Sqn Executive Officer went to lead the Voyager during the exercise at Darwin in Australia from August 19 to September 8, a lot went via the Wg Cdr’s desk. “It was quite audacious to get the [four] Typhoons out there. The Voyager left on August 12, then night-stopped at Akrotiri, Cyprus [before] heading off.”

The next stop was Al Dhafra, UAE (although the RAF would not confirm this due to local sensitivities), Delhi in India, then Paya Lebar, Singapore, arriving at Darwin on the 18th. Returning, the aircraft stopped at, Penang in Malaysia, Delhi, a location in the Middle East, RAF Akrotiri and RAF Lossiemouth. It was obviously a complex long-range mission.

The 101 OC picks up: “While there we had some key successes – we performed cell refuelling – when tankers orbit with a half mile separation, and refuel the fighters, which we did with NATO’s MMU [Multinational Multirole tanker transport Unit) A330 MRTTs. To us Pitch Black demonstrated our freedom of manoeuvre and proved we have rapid worldwide reach. It’s not easy, but it is achievable.

“We always prefer to refuel during the day, so we can see the massive thunderstorms over the Indian Ocean!” Daytime is also better for emergencies: “You don’t want to do that at night, particularly if it includes an ejection. You fly four to six hours during the day, then land and the engineers prep the aircraft for the mission the next day, and you get on your way. You can pre-position tankers to en route stops but then you have to confront other issues.

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UK RAF’s Voyager AAR tanker completes first refuel of F-35B

The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Airbus A330 Voyager Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) tanker has successfully refuelled the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for the first time.

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Carried out in the UK airspace over the North Sea at 19,000ft, the refuelling mission involved the use of the Voyager tanker based at RAF Brize Norton and the F-35B operated by No 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham, Norfolk.

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The RAF’s tanker is the service’s main air-to-air refuelling aircraft, along with the Voyager KC Mk 2 and its two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, as well as the Voyager KC Mk 3 with additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft.

No 101 Squadron Voyager captain said: “The Voyager aircraft offers a highly capable air-to-air refuelling capability, with which we provide regular support to many of the RAF’s fixed wing aircraft. Supporting the new F-35B, as it enters service, is a hugely important task for the Voyager force.

“Today’s sortie went extremely well and builds on the air-to-air refuelling deployment sorties flown from the US to the UK earlier this year.

“We look forward to enhancing our support for the F35B during this important period for the F-35B development programme.”

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The F-35B multi-role aircraft will be jointly operated by the UK RAF and the UK Royal Navy. It is capable of carrying out short take-offs and vertical landings.

The Lockheed Martin-built, fifth-generation aircraft can conduct missions such as air-to-surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering and air-to-air simultaneously.

The aircraft is scheduled to be deployed on the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

It is currently conducting flight trials from HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of an 11-week campaign involving more than 500 take-offs and landings.

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Simple Flying

The fleet of the uk's royal air force in 2024.

The RAF’s fleet currently consists of 21 types of airplanes and helicopters

The United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) boasts a modern, diversified fleet equipped with state-of-the-art aircraft, demonstrating the UK's commitment to airpower and national defense. As of 2024, the RAF's fleet consists of 21 different types of airplanes and helicopters for a myriad of operational requirements – from aerial refueling and combat to training and transport. Today, we're looking at the airplanes in the RAF's fleet, as listed on the Royal Air Force's official website.

The RAF currently operates two jet fighters for combat missions: the F35B Lightning and Typhoon FGR4.

The Lightning integrates cutting-edge sensors and mission systems with its unique short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability and advanced low-observable (stealth) technology, ensuring its ability to maneuver undetected in hostile airspace.

Its sophisticated and integrated sensors, complemented by robust data-linking capabilities, provide the pilot with a high level of situational awareness, allowing the pilot to not only share crucial information with other platforms through secure data links but also to employ weapons or electronic methods based on the gathered intelligence. The type is used for conducting air-to-surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and air-to-air missions – sometimes simultaneously.

The Lightning is operated alongside the Typhoon, a highly capable and remarkably agile multi-role combat aircraft suitable for diverse air operations encompassing air policing, peace support, and high-intensity conflict scenarios.

Initially designed for air-to-air missions as the Typhoon F.Mk 2, the aircraft has evolved into the formidable FGR4, boasting a potent precision multi-role capability. Pilots seamlessly execute crucial functions through the aircraft's hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) interface, complemented by an advanced cockpit and the Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA), positioning the Typhoon as exceptionally well-equipped for all facets of air operations.

While the Typhoon has effectively executed precision attack missions in all its combat deployments, its paramount role remains the provision of quick reaction alert (QRA) for safeguarding UK and Falkland Islands airspace. Additionally, detachments have been deployed to reinforce NATO air defense, notably in the Baltic and Black Sea regions.

There are four aircraft types in the RAF's fleet dedicated to ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance). These are the Poseidon MRA1, RC-135W Rivet Joint, Reaper (MQ-9A), and Shadow R1.

Boeing's Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) stands as a versatile maritime patrol aircraft designed for multi-role functionality, excelling in anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. Its advanced mission system features an acoustic sensor system with passive and multi-static sonobuoys, an electro-optical/IR turret, and electronic support measures (ESM). This integrated equipment ensures extensive search and tracking capabilities. Additionally, the Poseidon is armed with torpedoes, enhancing its capacity to engage sub-surface targets effectively.

The RC-135W Rivet Joint serves as a specialized electronic surveillance aircraft capable of undertaking strategic and tactical missions across various theaters. Equipped with sensors, it effectively captures electronic emissions from communication systems and radar, among other sources. The aircraft is manned by skilled specialists, including Weapons System Officers (WSO) and Weapons System Operators (WSOp), tasked with surveying the electromagnetic spectrum. Their primary objective is to extract intelligence crucial for commanders, making the RC-135W Rivet Joint a valuable asset in information gathering.

The MQ-9 Reaper, also known as Reaper MQ-9A, is an unmanned medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) aircraft that can be deployed for ISTAR as well as attack missions. Controlled by a crew of three comprising a pilot, sensor operator, and mission intelligence coordinator, the Reaper MQ-9A boasts over-the-horizon data link capability from bases in the UK and US. Renowned for its endurance and various surveillance sensors, the Reaper is a valuable addition to the RAF's crewed platforms, enhancing persistence and broadening surveillance capabilities.

The Shadow RI utilizes a combination of sensors to comprehensively gather intelligence for ground commanders. It features high-definition electro-optical and electronic sensors that complement other platforms, plus satellite communications links that facilitate real-time data download and offboarding during missions. And that's not all – the aircraft also has a defensive aids suite for enhanced security.

The RAF uses six types of trainers , including the Viking T1, Prefect T1, Texan T1, Hawk T2, and Phenom T1.

To learn basic gliding techniques, RAF trainees are taught to fly the Grob G 103A Twin II Acro (known as the Viking T1 in service). Operated by nine Volunteer Gliding Squadrons, the Viking trains air cadets to a standard sufficient for solo flying.

The Prefect combines turboprop power, digital avionics, and retractable undercarriage to offer elementary flying training. Skills learned from flying the Prefect allow trainees to move on to the Texan, a tandem-seat turboprop basic trainer featuring a glass cockpit. Its mission system can generate simulated air-to-air targets, preparing trainees to fly in real-world scenarios.

Envoy IV: The Dassault Falcon 900LX Used By The Royal Air Force As VIP Transport

Following successful training on the Texan, students move on to the Hawk T2. This jet is a replacement for the Hawk T1 trainers (now in service with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team ) and allows trainees to be immersed in more complex tactical environments – such as intercept training – with the simulations of many functions found in modern fighter jets.

To train for multi-engine aircrew duties, the RAF employs the Embraer Phenom 100. Featuring a touchscreen cockpit and an extensive suite for navigation, communications, and flight safety, the Phenom 100 represents a significant advancement in multi-engine flight training. Both in capability and cockpit layout, it brings trainees much closer to the features found in frontline aircraft types, such as the Atlas (more on this below).

The Atlas C.1 (A400M), Globemaster (C-17), Envoy IV CCI, and Voyager comprise the RAF's transport fleet.

The Atlas conducts tactical airlift missions and provides strategic oversize lift capabilities. It can carry a 37-tonne (81,571 lbs) payload – including 116 fully-equipped troops, vehicles, and helicopters – over 2,000 nautical miles (2,301 miles / 3,704km), catering to both established and remote airfields (including short unprepared strips).

Another capable transport aircraft in the RAF fleet is the C-17 Globemaster III . Its ability to transport 100,000 lbs (45,360 kg) of payload across impressive distances up to 4,500 nautical miles (5,178 miles / 8,334 km) makes the C-17 an essential workhorse. Furthermore, it can land on short runways that measure as little as 3,500 feet (914 meters) long and just 90 feet (27 meters) wide.

For the transport of high-priority and critical personnel and freight , the Dassault 900LX (known as Envoy IV CC Mk1 in service) business jet is used. This aircraft type ensures secure, timely, and discreet transport.

Lastly, the RAF also operates the Voyager as part of its air transport fleet. Serving as the Air Force's only air-to-air refueling (AAR) tanker, the jet also doubles as strategic air transport. The aircraft is operated as Voyager KC.Mk 2, which features underwing pods for jet refueling, and the Voyager KC.Mk 3, which is equipped with an extra centerline hose for larger aircraft.