Airbus Military
RAF Voyager fleet
The RAF Voyager fleet, built by Airbus Military, is a dual‑role air‑refuelling and strategic transport aircraft that entered service with the United Kingdom in 2011. Derived from the Airbus A330‑200 commercial airliner, the Voyager was converted into a Multi‑Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to replace the aging VC10 and TriStar tankers. The first aircraft, tail‑number ZK437, performed its inaugural flight in 2010 and was officially handed over to the Royal Air Force in April 2011, followed by a total of ten aircraft delivered by 2015.
Key features include a capacity to carry up to 112 tonnes of fuel, which can be off‑loaded through two Cobham‑Bowman boom systems or a hose‑and‑drogue pod, allowing simultaneous refuelling of up to four receivers. The spacious cargo hold can accommodate 24,000 kg of pallets, vehicles, or up to 400 troops, while advanced avionics and fly‑by‑wire controls enhance safety and efficiency. The Voyager’s long‑range capability, exceeding 14,800 km, enables global deployments without frequent refuelling stops.
Its significance lies in providing the RAF with a flexible, high‑capacity platform that supports NATO operations, humanitarian missions, and rapid strategic airlift, cementing the United Kingdom’s aerial reach and contributing to modern air‑mobility concepts worldwide.
Key features include a capacity to carry up to 112 tonnes of fuel, which can be off‑loaded through two Cobham‑Bowman boom systems or a hose‑and‑drogue pod, allowing simultaneous refuelling of up to four receivers. The spacious cargo hold can accommodate 24,000 kg of pallets, vehicles, or up to 400 troops, while advanced avionics and fly‑by‑wire controls enhance safety and efficiency. The Voyager’s long‑range capability, exceeding 14,800 km, enables global deployments without frequent refuelling stops.
Its significance lies in providing the RAF with a flexible, high‑capacity platform that supports NATO operations, humanitarian missions, and rapid strategic airlift, cementing the United Kingdom’s aerial reach and contributing to modern air‑mobility concepts worldwide.
Classification
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Airbus Military
- Operator
-
AirTanker Services Limited No. 10 Squadron RAF No. 101 Squadron RAF Royal Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q112862060