Spectators at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo will be some of the first to view the 12th Voyager aircraft, due for delivery to AirTanker later this month [June 2015] under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) contract.
ZZ341, a Voyager KC2, is scheduled to be flown to RAF Fairford to take part in the static aircraft display. The aircraft will be both the newest and largest aircraft at this year’s Air Tattoo, fresh from Airbus Defence and Space’s conversion facility in Madrid.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the brand new airframe, talk to crews and experience the airline-like comfort in which UK Armed Forces personnel can now travel.
RIAT 2015’s theme is ‘Securing the Skies’, something that the Voyager plays a key part in. From maintaining a round-the-clock readiness in the defence of the UK’s skies supporting RAF Typhoons, to assisting with humanitarian operations, the Voyager fleet is at the very forefront of the RAF’s capability.
The FSTA contract sees a fleet of nine Airbus A330-200 multi role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft delivered to the RAF, which have so far amassed over 26,000 hours of flight time. Eight Voyagers are operated by the RAF, with a single A330-200 operated on the Civil Aircraft Register and flown by AirTanker crews.
A further five aircraft will form a ‘surge fleet’ capability and will be available for use by AirTanker either for commercial or military leasing when not required by the RAF.
For Media related queries at the show, please email Media@AirTanker.co.uk or telephone 07718 117050 or 07827 940370.