#1273 KC-30A MRTT
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Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1273, KC-30A MRTT, A39-005, 33 Squadron, RAAF Richmond.
33 Squadron was formed in Townsville on 16 February 1942 initially flying Short Empire Flying Boats, Avro Ansons, DH-84 Dragons, DH-82 Tiger Moths, Vultee Vigilants and a Junkers W34D. It transitioned to C-47A Dakotas in 1943 and was disbanded on 13 May 1946. 33 Squadron was reformed on 1 July 1983 operating four Boeing 707-338Cs which were initially used for VIP service, but then retrofitted for Air to Air Refuelling. They saw service in campaigns such as the UN peace-keeping missions in the Western Sahara, Namibia, Somalia, East Timor and supported coalition forces in “Operation SOUTHERN WATCH” over Iraq and “Operation ENDURING FREEDOM” over Afghanistan. The KB707 fleet was retired in 2008 to be replaced by the then A330-MRTT. In 2012, the first of five KC-30A MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) aircraft was delivered to 33 Squadron’s new home at RAAF Base Amberley. The KC-30A is nearly double the size of its predecessor and offers 270 seats for passengers, 40 tonnes of cargo capacity, is capable of holding 109 tonnes of fuel and has a maximum take off weight of 233,000kgs. Just one of its two GE CF6-80E engines produces 72,000lbs of thrust, equivalent to all four KB707 engines. It is fitted with two Cobham air refuelling pods and a fly-by-wire Advanced Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) capable of offloading 3,300kg/min of fuel. It is also fitted with a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), which allows the KC-30A to take on fuel whilst airborne. Unlike older tanker aircraft, all crew members of the KC-30A are located in the flight deck, using the Boom Enhance Vision System (BEVS) to see and control tanking behind the aircraft. The KC-30A has already contributed to international operations by supporting “Operation PHILIPPINES ASSIST” in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. It is also in heavy demand for coalition exercises such as Red Flag, Cope North, Pitch Black, Talisman Saber and Bersama Lima. 33 Squadron now operates under the control of 86 Wing within Air Lift Group and uses “Dragon” as its callsign which, appropriately, is the Squadron’s adopted mascot. The KC-30A will provide the RAAF with Air Logistics Support and Air to Air Refuelling until at least 2045.
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