Aussie A330MRTT Working with the P-8 Poseidon

Over the period 27 February to 14 April 2018 members from the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) and 33 Squadron deployed to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in the United States, to undertake clearance testing between the KC-30A and the Poseidon P-8A aircraft.

The testing was jointly planned and executed by ARDU and the United States Navy (USN) P-8A Integrated Test Team from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Zero (VX-20).

Throughout the program the RAAF and USN flight test units were tightly integrated to the extent that USN flight test personnel flew as crew on the RAAF KC-30A and RAAF flight test personnel flew as crew on the USN P-8A.

The ability to refuel the P-8A in flight will allow our aircraft to project maritime patrol and strike capabilities further and for longer ranges.

Credit: Australian Department of Defence

April 12, 2018.