Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A aircraft are conducting
air-to-air refuelling trials with RAAF F/A-18 Hornets. Commencing with
the first air-to-air contact on October 18, the trials are a mixture of
'dry' and 'wet' contacts (confirming safe connections can be made and
fuel transferred respectively), and are intended to provide a partial
clearance for hose-and-drogue refuelling contacts with the KC-30A,
expected to be declared in December 2011. The test program will then
expand throughout 2012 to increase the envelope of hose-and-drogue
refuelling to other conditions, as well as train additional KC-30A
personnel to conduct these tasks. Initial Operational Capability, which
will include the KC-30A clearance to conduct hose-and-drogue refuelling
and strategic air lift missions for the Australian Defence Force, is
expected in late 2012. Air Force is receiving five KC-30A Multi-Role
Tanker Transports, to be operated by No. 33 Squadron at RAAF Base
Amberley


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