Voyager tankers have refuelled an inbound aircraft inside the Arctic Circle after it declared an emergency, the UK Defence Journal can report.

It is understood that the Ministry of Defence used satellites with infra-red sensors to track the aircraft, the heat from an animals red nose was clearly visible.

It has also been made clear in the last few moments the refuelling operation has now concluded and additional Typhoon aircraft have been scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to begin escorting the cargo aircraft over every British city, town and village later tonight but it is understood that the aircraft has only been cleared to fly over the homes of good boys and girls.

It is expected that the now fully refuelled aircraft will enter UK airspace not a moment before midnight.

In addition to fuel, the Voyager aircraft has also transferred over some biscuits and a large quantity of Brandy.

Voyager, the RAF designation for the Airbus A330 MRTT, made its first operational tanker flight in May 2013. The UK operates a total of 14 Voyager aircraft, 5 of which are leased for commercial purposes when not required.

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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38 COMMENTS

  1. For the technically minded, the craft was running low on Mince Pies and Sherry. I understand that it now has enough to last until it reaches the next stop on it’s journey.

    • That would explain why Santa had hiccups when he arrived here. Refused my mince pies, I made them, mind you after one bite I refused them. Poor birds in garden had them. None dead yet. The sherry was Harveys Bristol Cream. Bristol makers of the Olympus engine, the most efficient jet engine, Vulcan and Concorde. Bristol buses, Bristol cars, amazing what a small city can do. Back to Santa, how did he manage over Germany as they have no working aircraft, well nothing working in their military. Brits can apply to join the “depleted” German armed forces EVEN AFTER Brexit.

  3. They are going to milk the holiday for all they can get. Still, its kindasorta fun.
    Didn’t know the Voyager had special fuel tanks for that mission.

  6. Happy Christmas to all on UKDJ.

    And a toast to George Allison for his work in providing this site for us to enjoy, argue, discuss, and generally sound off and put the world to rights.

    Thank you.

    Would be fascinated to read your views too rather than a silent impartial observer.

    And personally I love Christmas, so who cares about the Santa articles!

    • Happy Christmas Daniele and to all on UKDJ. A milder day here in Durban after yesterdays 32 deg with some rain expected later. I see from the Sky News that NORAD are tracking Father Christmas’s progress over the Western USA at present.

    • That unknown aircraft looks aerodynamically questionable to me. Must be one of those Taranis derivatives, with a multi-drive engine.

  9. Not sure that I have ever seen a reindeer with the necessary probe fitted, so I reluctantly think that this is fake news, and there is probably a Russian connection. After all this alleged aircraft is coming from their general direction!
    On another note, can I add my thanks to all at UKDJ, its a very interesting and informative site and long may you continue.
    Happy New Year

    • I think you will find the reindeer refuelling probe, on that particular model is located between the rear undercarriage, semi recessed for aerodynamic efficiency.

      BV

  11. I divorced my ex wife after I caught her noshing on Rudolfs carrot and drinking Santa’s milk during one of his refuelling stops the other year.

  12. Great stuff from the Forces. Seriously, our armed services represent the country including our values and sense of humour. If or when that is no longer true we are in trouble.

    Seasons Best Wishes to one and all.

  14. Anyone see the recent comments by Gavin about opening new facilities in the Caribbean and Far East?

    Hope everyone has had a good festive period so far.

  15. From: Air Command
    To: All QRA forces
    Subject: Recent incursion of special airborne objects(SAO)
    Message:

    SAO identified and refueled. Has returned to its base. QRA stand down.

    For information to NORAD
    For Information to MoD

    Ho ho Ho

    Message ends

  17. At last! Been waiting for this. Merry Christmas George and the team and thank you for your work providing the site for us.

  19. All the best to you and all at UKDJ for Christmas and 2020 George. My friend who is an Optician here in ‘Durbs’ is hoping that we all have 20-20 vision in the coming New Year-he has been waiting some decades for this one so is milking for all it’s worth over the rest of the month!

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