The fifth Voyager aircraft arrived at RAF Brize Norton today [29th May 2013], the second of two ‘three point’ capable tankers to arrive within the last month.
The aircraft will join Voyager 01, 03 and 04 on the Military Aircraft Register as ZZ333.
Phill Blundell, CEO, AirTanker, said: “The arrival of Voyager 05, the second of seven three point capable tankers to arrive, indicates the progress we are making and is another success following the start of our air to air refuelling operations earlier this month.”
In all, 14 aircraft, plus the associated personnel and infrastructure to support them, will be delivered by the Voyager programme. This includes seven two-point tankers, which refuel from wing pods and the seven three point capable tankers which host an additional centre line hose for larger receiver types.
The next delivery, Voyager 06, is expected by the middle of the year, around the same time as the go-ahead for Voyager to refuel Typhoon.