UK confirms development of boom refueling for RAF tankers
Defence minister Luke Pollard said the Royal Air Force will add a boom refueling capability to complement its existing probe-and-drogue system, enhancing interoperability with NATO allies.
The Royal Air Force will develop a boom refueling capability to complement its current probe-and-drogue air-to-air refueling system, Defence minister Luke Pollard said. Answering an MP's question in writing, Pollard said the move would ensure a sovereign refueling capability for the future RAF fleet and improve interoperability with NATO Allies and partners.
The minister's confirmation follows earlier reports that a boom refueling option was being considered. Pollard did not indicate when the capability would be introduced or how it would be implemented.
Boom refueling, as used by the U.S. Air Force and many NATO forces, would support RAF aircraft configured for that method, including the P-8 Poseidon, RC-135 Rivet Joint, C-17A Globemaster III, and future F-35A Lightning II and E-7A Wedgetail. The RAF currently operates only probe-and-drogue tankers.
Sources
- theaviationist.comUK Minister Confirms Development of RAF Boom Refueling Capability