It's baffling really, we now operate 3 types requiring boom refuelling with a 4th in the pipeline when the Wedgetail comes on line and yet we have a fleet of hose and drogue only tankers! Short sighted comes to mind!
I think we are the only ones who don't have boom refueling on their A330s! And yet our lease agreement is probably the most expensive of all of them! I believe the lease has a clause about us being fined if we use other aerial refueling options other than Air Tanker so we can't use the A400 to refuel other aircraft, even though they have the capability, and possibly refuelling from other air forces? I could be wrong and I'm sure someone with greater knowledge will confirm this.
I don't know anything really but I assume that as part of the NATO Alliance AR will be provided by a partner in exchange for the maritime patrol work we can now do.
Assuming the P-8 with its 3000 mile endurance will need AR - just send up a replacement at the end of the shift.
Sorry forgot this was a photo thread - nice catch by the way although I assume there were a few hundred spotters there on the day - when is the next 737-8 due?