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)
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Dual role tanker and passenger aircraft
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Future replacement aircraft for Tristar
and VC10
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Modern cockpit with 'fly-by-wire'
controls
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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.
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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
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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.
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Aeromedical Evacuation (Aeromed). The
airlift of patients.