The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) is planned to replace the air-to-air refuelling (AAR) and some elements of air transport (AT) capability currently provided by the RAF’s fleet of VC10 and TriStar aircraft.

AAR is a key military capability that provides force multiplication and operational range enhancement for front line aircraft across a range of defence roles and military tasks.

The projected in-service date is toward the end of this decade and the projected life cycle cost of the programme under Public Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangements is some £13.1bn. As of April 2006 the project is in its assessment phase and as such, it does not have a formally approved development programme or a firm date for introduction to service.

In 2004 the Air Tanker Consortium comprised of Rolls-Royce, EADS, Cobham and Thales were confirmed as bidder most likely to offer a value for money solution. It is believed that Air Tanker are proposing the A330-200 aircraft as the FSTA platform. Some analysts predict an FSTA fleet of about 10 aircraft.


Airbus A330 (Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft/FSTA)

• Dual role tanker and passenger aircraft

• Future replacement aircraft for Tristar and VC10

• Modern cockpit with 'fly-by-wire' controls

• Can carry a 5 ton load and refuel four Tornados on a trans-Atlantic flight

Details

The MoD is currently holding a competition for the replacement of this capability through the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme. A Private Finance Initiative (PFI) solution is being adopted, in which the private sector will provide not only replacement aircraft, but also a complete and secure long-term service. This will see aircraft brought into service with the private sector partner providing a comprehensive service for the RAF to ensure the full operational availability of the fleet over a 27 year period.

 

AIRBUS A330 Specifications
Engines	Two Rolls Royce Trent turbofans
Length	193ft 7in (59.00m)
Wingspan	197ft 10in (60.30m)
Top Speed	530mph (850km/h)

 

Of the competing bids, it was announced in early 2004 that Air Tanker was to be chosen as the MoD's preferred bidder. Although this meant that the rival Boeing 767 had been beaten, the final details of the PFI contract to be signed with AirTanker was still subject to negotiation - a process that could take many months.

AirTanker's bid centred on the Airbus A330 aircraft. All aircraft will be capable as 2-point tankers, equipped with 2 FRL Mk32B 900E pods. A number of the fleet will also be capable of being fitted as 3-point tankers. Very few internal changes are required to the A330-200 to modify it for the air-to-air refuelling role. In particular no additional fuel tanks are required. As the A330 shares the same wing as the four-engined A340, there is a pre-strengthened location available for mounting the wing AAR pods. As a consequence, refuelling pods can be fitted with minimal modifications and without any strengthening required to the aircraft.

The full passenger and cargo capability can be used while the A330-200 is configured for AAR operations. The cabin remains fully configured and the cargo compartments are unobstructed. On a typical deployment across the Atlantic, a single A330 would be able to refuel four Tornados and still carry 11,000lb (5000kg) of freight/passengers.

One novel aspect of the contract is the facility lease the aircraft for civil operations. The considerable commercial demand for the A330 makes it more attractive to third-parties who will operate those aircraft in the fleet not immediately required for RAF use. This will deliver a major cost saving to the MoD and taxpayer and ensures that the considerable capability advantages of the A330 are affordable.

The A330 will replace the RAF's existing VC10 and Tristar fleets at RAF Brize Norton.

Roles

• Air Transport (AT). The movement of personnel and support equipment.

• Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR). The facility to extend the range, endurance or payload of air operations.

• Aeromedical Evacuation (Aeromed). The airlift of patients.