An air-to-air refuelling tanker and strategic air transport.

Voyager is the RAF’s sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport.  The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft.

Role

Voyager is the RAF's only Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) tanker and also supports Strategic Air Transport. Based on the Airbus A330-200, it comes in two versions: the KC Mk2 with two refuelling points and the KC Mk3 with an additional centerline hose for refuelling larger aircraft. Fuel is stored in existing tanks, leaving the cabin available for up to 291 passengers and the cargo hold for freight. One Voyager is modified for long-range VIP transport but still functions as a fully capable tanker.

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Sensors

Technical Specifications

Defensive Aids

Capability

Voyager can carry up to 109 tonnes of fuel and significantly extend the range and endurance of both fighter and compatible heavy aircraft. This force multiplication effect enables receiver aircraft to project air power further and for longer. Voyager has a flexible aeromedical configuration that includes the ability to carry up to 40 stretchers and three critical care patients.

The Core Fleet of eight military registered aircraft, and one civilian registered aircraft are supplemented by a surge fleet of five A330-200 aircraft that can be used commercially by AirTanker to generate additional revenue. These aircraft can be recalled for military use if required.

AirTanker owns, manages and maintains the aircraft and provides infrastructure, support and state-of- the-art training facilities, along with personnel including Sponsored Reserve pilots and engineers.

Based at

Flying with

History of the Voyager

Airbus launched its A340/A330 program in 1987, producing long-haul, four-engine A340s and medium-haul, twin-engine A330s. The A330 first flew in 1992 and developed into multiple sub variants with various performance and weight options. Airbus saw the A330's potential as a military tanker and transport, leading to the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) program.

In 2008, the AirTanker consortium was contracted to supply 14 A330 MRTTs (Voyager) for the RAF. The core fleet includes nine aircraft, with five others available for commercial use but ready for military recall. Voyager began RAF operations in 2012 and became fully operational as a tanker by 2013, replacing the VC10. It supports global operations, including Quick Reaction Alert in the Falklands and refuelling missions for Operation Shader.

Voyager in action

 

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RAF Voyager refuels German Eurofighters and RAF Typhoons

The Royal Air Force's Deputy Commander Operations and the Inspector General of the German Air Force recently visited the RAF-led NATO enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania. The Mission currently has a German Eurofighter detachment integrated into it. Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew and Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz flew to Romania in Eurofighter Typhoons and met in German airspace to be refuelled from an RAF Voyager.

RAF Voyager refuels German Eurofighters and RAF Typhoons

The Royal Air Force's Deputy Commander Operations and the Inspector General of the German Air Force recently visited the RAF-led NATO enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania. The Mission currently has a German Eurofighter detachment integrated into it. Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew and Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz flew to Romania in Eurofighter Typhoons and met in German airspace to be refuelled from an RAF Voyager.

RAF Voyager refuel Typhoons

RAF fast jets have taken to the skies as part of NATO’s mission to defend Europe, less than 24 hours after Russian forces entered Ukraine.

RAF Voyager Tanker air-to-air refuelling on Exercise GALWAY

A Royal Air Force Voyager Tanker from 83 Expeditionary Air Group has refuelled the Qatar Emiri Air Force Rafale Fighter Jets for the first time, during air-to-air refuelling on Exercise GALWAY in Qatar.