Royal Air Force logistics personnel have refuelled an Atlas A400M transport aircraft using a tactical fuel system, the first time this concept has been tested by the RAF in the extreme cold of the High North.
A team from No 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron deployed to Bardufoss Air Station to establish the tactical fuel system, known as an Air Landed Aircraft Refuelling System, or, ALARS, which supports aircraft operating in remote locations.
“In collaboration with other Force Elements we have worked to enhance tactical refuelling capability under challenging conditions. We’ve been able to test and prove the ALARS capability in the High North for the first time, with valuable support from our Norwegian partners.”
Flight Lieutenant Woodhouse
Fuels Support Team Lead
The team constructed a temporary fuel system using a fabric tank while utilising snow-filled sandbags to support the structure. They then proved its functionality by firstly de-fuelling and then re-fuelling the Atlas heavy lift transporter.
The successful test took place as part of Exercise Arctic Phoenix, which has seen personnel from across the RAF operating in the arctic under adverse weather conditions and with limited daylight. The exercise has helped to test capabilities and train personnel for the challenges of an extreme cold weather environment.
The ability to maintain flying operations from remote and austere locations is vital to the RAF being ready to survive or evade attack and outmanoeuvre an adversary, known as Agile Combat Employment.
