A.330 Tanker update

[Garry Russell]

For some unknown reason one of the Airbus A.330-243MRT tankers (EC-337) has been re registered to Air Tankers Ltd as G-VYGA. It will become ZZ331 for the RAF.

EC-335 (ZZ330) continues to fly around and seems to have kept a French Mode S code despite it being Spanish registered.

EC-330 (ZZ333) has been around too.

I've not seen EC-331 (ZZ332) around

[DaveB]

Airbus obviously have a plan mate

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Could be a company doing the UK development

Originally it was operated by Airbus Industrie (France) than Airbus Tankers (Spain) so maybe this is just the UK equivalent and it is becoming UK based. Maybe it will support them in service like Marshalls with the Hercules.

This is due to be the first aircraft for the RAF despite the serial being the second in the series

The Registration being a contraction of Voyager seems likely to be for demo and shows.

The sad thing is that as this grows apace the end of the VC 10 looms. Shame they can't have one of the standard 10+years delay getting the MRTT right and reprieving the Ten

[jonesey2k]

Would the VC10 last another 10 years...

[Garry Russell]

Anything could last for ever , just as long as the parts were there

Anything made once can be made again, just a case of money and skill.

Of course this won't happen here and if it did they'd probably find something else.

Just me being light hearted

[Hot_Charlie]

Could be a company doing the UK development

Originally it was operated by Airbus Industrie (France) than Airbus Tankers (Spain) so maybe this is just the UK equivalent and it is becoming UK based. Maybe it will support them in service like Marshalls with the Hercules.

IIRC, and Tonks is the man to confirm as I'm well away from the tanking world (for now), only the first couple of conversions were being performed by Airbus in Spain. The remainder are being done by FRA at Bournemouth. It may have something to do with this.

[Garry Russell]

Thanks Charlie

That would be why I'm only seeing two going back and forth from Spain

Seem they are built and flown as standard bare airliners then converted?

[DaveB]

Garry..

I believe Air Tanker Consortium are responsible for the conversions/updates and maint of our A330's. Airbus deliver the aircraft and ATC do the rest.. at least that's how I think it happens

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Cheers Dave

So it does sound similar to the Marshalls/Hercules tie up at least for the C1's

They were delievered standard bare frames then Anglisied before delivery.

[Chris558]

Are the RAF still in the 'ZZ' serial prefix? I was hoping for a new one soon - just to see what it will be...'AA'..??