RCAF Airbus CC-150 Polaris Replacement Program

[Scott Kenny]

That was apparently the plan first time around (c2011) but with the new tankers coming with booms, more or less stock F-35As (with the Norwegian drag chute) are the plan this time.

It might actually be cheaper to add the booms on the tankers than to modify the F-35A to fit the probe.

I've heard that the space where the -C probe sits is just empty space with a fuel line at the back of it in the F-35A, so it wouldn't be a particularly difficult retrofit.

 

[Voodoo-Guy]

More info on each airframe. Via a post on another group;

002 is a stock A330-200 passenger aircraft. The only modifications before delivery is a coat of paint.

001 will be our VIP (air frame), and will be fitted with secure communication systems among other modifications.
When 001 enters service, 002 will be sent back to Spain for MRTT modifications.
It will receive the "hi viz government of Canada" livery.

002-009 will be operational MRTT. New and used aircraft will be sent to Spain for MRTT equipment installation.
All 8 should be painted tactical Grey (as far as I know, there's no plan for commemorative hi viz livery at the moment).

 

[riggerrob]

I've heard that the space where the -C probe sits is just empty space with a fuel line at the back of it in the F-35A, so it wouldn't be a particularly difficult retrofit.

The refit is probably still best done at the factory.
For comparison, which type of refuelling system is installed in the other F-35s exported to: Israel, Norway, The UK, etc.

 

[RavenOne]

Courtesy of Ottawa Aviation FB page

Cheers

 

[Scott Kenny]

The refit is probably still best done at the factory.
For comparison, which type of refuelling system is installed in the other F-35s exported to: Israel, Norway, The UK, etc.

Oh, definitely best done during initial construction or depot overhaul at the factory. My point was more that the space is already there for a refueling probe and there's not anything else in that volume that would need to be moved around.

I believe that the UK's F-35As have the boom receptacle, as do the Israeli and Norwegian planes.

 

[TomS]

Oh, definitely best done during initial construction or depot overhaul at the factory. My point was more that the space is already there for a refueling probe and there's not anything else in that volume that would need to be moved around.

I believe that the UK's F-35As have the boom receptacle, as do the Israeli and Norwegian planes.

I'm not aware of any F-35As with a probe instead of the boom receptacle.

Also, the UK has so far only ordered Bs, no As.

 

[GTX]

All F-35As have just the boom receptacle at this stage. I have it on good authority that it would be possible to fit the F-35B/C's probe but for someone to do that they would have to pay to be different.

 

[Scott Kenny]

All F-35As have just the boom receptacle at this stage. I have it on good authority that it would be possible to fit the F-35B/C's probe but for someone to do that they would have to pay to be different.

Which is why the Canadian F-35s have the boom receptacle, not the Probe.

 

[GK Dundas]

I made the mistake of checking out a CBC reporter's X tweet (?) . The mistake wasn't reading what she had written about the aircraft.
It was the comments .
The utter hatred directed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and indirectly any purchase that may even indirectly provide transportation with anything approaching comfort .
Apparently the fact that we will be acquiring not not just improved troop transport and aerial refueling but an entirely new capabilities boom . On top of that more aircraft as well.
Conclusion ; People are stupid and vile.
Oh and by the way ,I despise our current Prime Minister...yeah.

 

[riggerrob]

Right then. Can't unsee that one. "Wedgie" it is.

(Sorry, still doesn't top EA-18G "Growler". Offensive on both sides of the pond. Offensive in Oz would make a trifecta. Maybe the "Drop Growler"?)

In Canada, a “Growler” means a pre-loaded, small beer keg.
“Growlers” would only survive in RCAF usage until the first arrest - for drunken driving - on the way home from squadron festivities.
Hah!
Hah!

 

[Apophenia]

I made the mistake of checking out a CBC reporter's X tweet ...

It happens. But all due sympathy nonetheless

 

[GK Dundas]

It happens. But all due sympathy nonetheless

It wasn't the story that wasn't bad at all.
God help me I went and read the comments.. Never , never ever read the comments on a even vaguely political story .

 

[RavenOne]

Slightly remiss of me I did see CC-350 (though think this is one of the former Kuwaiti Air airframes) that was briefly here at London Stansted in week end of February so here are my photos from 21st Feb.







cheers

 

[Titus K]

Airbus MRTT+ Tanker Demand May Support Doubling Output | Aviation Week Network

Airbus sees potentially sufficient demand for its new A330neo-based military refueling aircraft to warrant a doubling of output.

aviationweek.com

The company also continues to work on developing enhancements to the tanker, including automating refueling functions. After certifying a daytime automated refueling system with the boom known as A3R, Airbus has been working with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to bring nighttime automated refueling to the fleet. The RSAF’s tankers now are approved to automatically refuel Boeing F-15s and other MRTTs, and before year-end should be able to do the same with Lockheed Martin F-16s.

Martí said Canada also has signed on to the A3R and that other users may upgrade to the system. It will be standard on the MRTT+, though may require extra integration of different aircraft types that need refueling, depending on the customer.