The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the RAF’s incoming Chinook H-47(ER) helicopters will be fitted with full air-to-air refuelling capability, but that current plans do not rely on RAF tankers to provide that support.
In a series of written parliamentary answers to James MacCleary MP, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the extended-range Chinook variant is being procured with an air-to-air refuelling receiver as standard. However, he stated that “on current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC-130.”
MacCleary had asked whether RAF A400M Atlas aircraft could be used to refuel the Chinook H-47(ER), and whether doing so would trigger compensation payments to the AirTanker Consortium, which operates the RAF’s Voyager A330 tanker fleet under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft contract.
Pollard clarified that the AirTanker contract does not explicitly exclude any particular receiver aircraft type, but is restricted to air-to-air refuelling for fixed-wing platforms. As a result, he said, “AAR for Rotary Wing aircraft is exempt from exclusivity claims.”
This means that using RAF aircraft to refuel helicopters would not, in itself, breach AirTanker exclusivity provisions. However, Pollard did not indicate that the RAF intends to adopt such an approach.
In response to a related question about the capability of RAF A330 Voyager aircraft to provide air-to-air refuelling to the Chinook H-47(ER), Pollard again pointed to the current plan to rely on US KC-130 aircraft. He did not provide a technical assessment of Voyager’s compatibility with the helicopter variant. Similarly, when asked about the A400M Atlas, Pollard did not detail whether the aircraft has been formally assessed for refuelling the H-47(ER), reiterating instead that US support remains the intended solution.
The answers confirm three key points: the new Chinook variant will have full receiver capability; rotary-wing refuelling falls outside the AirTanker exclusivity restrictions; and, under current planning assumptions, in-flight refuelling support will be provided by US KC-130 aircraft rather than RAF-operated tankers.
We are starting to count down the end of this awful PFI. Never again, please.
In this case the PFI isn’t to blame. Just sounds like the gov isn’t willing to spend the money required to allow the a400m to do the job, even though they are sound it for another nations. I doubt the a330m are capable of the low speed required.
Perfect excuse to fit the A400M’s with the AAR refueling system they are already plumbed in for. This would provide a highly capable secondary capability to support the Voyager tankers in a major war and provide European Allie’s with enough tanker support to replace any US contribution.
I think the Germans use A400s as refuelling tankers?
They do, French use it too to refuel helicopters.
Also Malaysia & Spain (Spanish A400M refuelled Finnish F-18s in 2023, & reported to routinely refuel Spanish F-18s). Belgium hasn’t bothered.
The original order for the A400 was 25, this was to provide dedicated platforms for aar.
Voyager cannot refuel helos
If only we hadn’t sold the C130s !
😂
Absolute stupidity relying on a country like the US to provide refueling. We need to plan for operations without those backstabbing bastards.
I’m only amazed the AAR capability wasn’t removed for some ‘in year’ savings.
A very pleasant surprise.
Will be particularly interesting for SF and also if Vanquish delivers an AAR capability for the carriers that will also be a fun extra capability.
Just need A400 AAR and we’ll be laughing.
Is it not the fact that the ER versions come with the probe as standard and would cost more not to have them fitted?
I’m sure that’s the case.
Indeed.
However, with MoD thinking…..
Yes these helos come fitted with the probe during build. Stupid to order them without, but that’s Britain for you stupid and dense.
Much like insisting the Typhoon ordered without the gun. Replacing it with a lump of lead at great expense only to realise it would cost nothing just to leave things alone.
Yes it did happen.
Ahh, but.. if it comes with a gun then one may be inclined to waste money on ammunition 😒
The ridiculousness of it all especially when these civil servants would not listen to sainer heads.
Considering recently events, 1000% agree, the US can’t be trusted.
Another fine mess…🤯
Great result. SF orientated Chinooks have needed AAR capability for ever.
True, and it gives options in future once funds become available to have the capacity natively
Merlin HC4s are already fully fitted for AAR. Times is has been done? Zero.
So now we need A400 to be converted for AAR…..you cannot rely on the US. Good decision scrapping C130J lol
Surprised at this decision however it is wise , shame we got rid of our C130s like one poster has already said . And to think most Airforces. around the world still fly the C130s but Oh no not the UK 🙄
We all know it was a simple capability cut, the promised additional A400 order to replace the ‘ worn out’ C130J fleet never arrived, likely never will.
In reality, Marshall’s could have simply replaced the center wing boxes and outer wings of the RAF fleet, as they have done on many C130s over the years.
But it was just another bullshit defence cut.
The RAF should receive 8 additional A400 to replace the lost 14 C130Js and be provided with AAR capability for the fleet.
Luckily the end is in sight for Air Tanker as its due to expire in 2035.
Now is the time to start examining a replacment MRTT, and prepare for a smooth transition to a new asset.
And for Christ’s sake, not another bloody PPI!!!!
Those PPI claims are worth good money! 🤣 Sorry John couldn’t resit it!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Gonna be a bit dodgy for the 2 blokes in the back with the 6 jerrycans! But I think they have been issued with gloves, a funnel and some rope to keep them from falling of the side! But UK specific requirements do take longer and cost so much more, but money well spent.
Despite not having the capacity to refuel them, still a good plan and useful in the grand scheme of things.