Fuels specialists from the A4 Force Elements at RAF Wittering are developing the capability of the Atlas transport aircraft to refuel fast jets by testing a new fuelling system.
Image By: Mr Steve Lympany
Personnel from the Fuels Support Team (FST), part of No.1 Expeditionary Logistics Sqn (1ELS) based at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, deployed to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire to develop the Air Landed Aircraft Refuelling System capability used by the A400M ‘Atlas’.
Describing the capability, Wing Commander Patton, Officer Commanding the newly reformed 30 Squadron said: “This a very exciting opportunity for the Atlas force. We, in concert with our partners, are working constantly to develop and prove increasing A400M tactical capability – at pace. The work with No 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron showcases the ability of A400M to rapidly establish a forward refuelling point, which is critical to projecting our Forces wherever they may be needed in the world.”
The team take fuel from a large multi-engine aircraft like the Atlas and transfer it into a tactical refuelling facility to provide support to aircraft forward deployed from their Main Operating Bases to more austere locations.
Image By: Mr Steve Lympany
The Fuel Support Teams at 1ELS are specialists in providing tactical refuelling solutions for all fixed wing aircraft in all environments. They can provide a range of refuelling solutions to the RAF ranging from a Tactical Refuelling Area to a Primary Bulk Fuel Installation that can store up to 525k litres of fuel, enough to fully refuel 8 A400M aircraft, or 525 Typhoon.
Flight Lieutenant Craig De Jong, Officer Commanding Mechanised Transport & Fuels within 1ELS said: “This is a new capability and the training conducted at Brize Norton represents the first step in bringing it to life.” The FST oversaw the defuel of the A400M into a Tactical Refuelling Area during two live demonstrations: one in daylight, and one at night. Once fully matured ALARS will afford Defence a highly flexible and adaptable method of enabling a Forward Air Refuelling Point in future.
Image By: Mr Steve Lympany
This trial directly supports the RAF development of Agile Combat Employment which is an operational concept of being able to operate from austere air bases in order to disperse and quickly manoeuvre combat capability throughout a theatre. Supported by a minimal presence on the ground to provide support activities such as aircraft fuelling, arming and engineering, Agile Combat Employment expands the number of bases from which air forces can generate combat sorties.
Image By: Mr Steve Lympany
1ELS is part of the A4 Force Elements, which have their headquarters at RAF Wittering. The A4 Force Elements are the RAF’s specialist, high-readiness, expeditionary logistics and engineering units. They are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, to support operations and exercises anywhere in the world. The A4 Force also includes RAF Music Services and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.
Group Captain Nick Huntley is the Commanding Officer of the A4 Force Elements. He said: “Wherever you project air power, fuel will be needed. The Fuels Team from 1ELS are working on critical capability development that will ensure the RAF can project air power with greater speed and agility. The A4 Force Elements could be sent anywhere in the world at very short notice to support air operations, and their hard work in development of this capability is a definite boost.”
