Australian KC-30A conducts air-to-air refueling with Japanese F-2 multirole fighter.

According to a tweet published by Ryan Chan on April 28, 2022, Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A conducts air-to-air refueling compatibility test with Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2.

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Australian KC-30A and Japanese F-2 multirole fighter (Picture source: Atla Kouhou)

The KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a heavily modified Airbus A330 airliner, and enables Air Force to conduct air-to-air refuelling and provide strategic air lift.

It features advanced communication and navigation systems, and an electronic warfare self-protection system for shielding against threats from surface-to-air missiles.

The Air Force's six KC-30A aircraft are based at RAAF Base Amberley, operated by No. 33 Squadron.

About the Aircraft

The KC-30A MRTT is fitted with two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems: an Advanced Refuelling Boom System mounted on the tail of the aircraft; and a pair of all-electric refuelling pods under each wing.

These systems are controlled by an Air Refuelling Operator in the cockpit, who can view refuelling on 2D and 3D screens.

The KC-30A MRTT can remain 1800 km from its home base, with 50 tonnes of fuel available to offload for up to four hours.

In its transport role, the KC-30A is capable of carrying 270 passengers. It comes with under-floor cargo compartments which can accommodate 34,000 kilograms of military and civilian cargo pallets and containers.