For the first time a German Air Force A400M has received fuel from an RAF Voyager during an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) exercise.
German pilots from Air Transport Wing 62 Test and Evaluation Flight of the German Airforce flew their A400M aircraft to RAF Brize Norton, to engage with RAF aircrew, build partnerships and improve interoperability between the two nations. The moment was significant as it marked the first time the German Airforce has used an A400M to receive fuel mid-air. For the crew, it was also the first time they have taken part in flying a receiver aircraft.
Major David Fischer from the German Airforce is currently the Exchange Officer on 30 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton. He was one of the first to take part in the air-to-air refuelling courses for the RAF Atlas A400M and has subsequently become an AAR instructor. For this training sortie, Major Fischer re-joined his German Airforce colleagues to introduce them to air-to-air refuelling and instruct them for the first time onboard their aircraft.
Major Fischer said:
“Today was the first time a German A400M crew have acted as a receiving aircraft during air-to-air refuelling. It was a great opportunity to do it behind an RAF Voyager as the Royal Air Force have been conducing AAR with Voyager and A400M for some time. During my time on exchange with the RAF I have become an A400M air-air instructor, so I was pleased to instruct my German colleagues today. Interoperability is key between our nations and because the A400M is a true partnership platform, this will open the doors for further air-to-air refuelling training in the future”.
Major David Fischer
German Airforce Exchange Officer
For the RAF Voyager crews, the day also provided a fantastic opportunity for them to work alongside NATO partners. This demonstrated the high level of training and communications skills both Air Forces use are closely linked enabling a safe and seamless operational environment when working together.
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