The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has completed its air-to-air refuelling trials with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J and F-15DJ Eagle jets for the first time. Conducted in Japan from March 29 to April 26, the trials involved an RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) using its advanced refuelling boom to connect with the F-15s in flight.
A total of 11 flights and 325 contacts were made between the aircraft across a range of manoeuvres, and in different conditions by day and night. The engineering data from these trials will allow the RAAF to authorise and train its KC-30A aircrew to refuel F-15s in future.
Air Vice-Marshal Darren Goldie, Air Commander Australia, said these latest trials would further enhance air cooperation between Australia and Japan. “Cooperation between our air forces is dependent on overcoming great distances, and air-to-air refuelling is an essential part of how we accomplish this.”
