Continuing the exploration of current & possible future use of civilian owned and fully / partly civilian crewed Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
In the USA, Omega - the only current operator in the business sector $TMPS has joined - has contracts to use its 3 x MRTT primarily for some training, exercise and trials sorties - enabling more USAF / USN assets to do the operational tasks.
In the UK, the Private Finance Initiative partnership Air Tanker - in conjunction with military personnel - provides the entire air-to-air refueling capability for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and many other MRTT tasks in operational theaters as well - with aircraft fitted with a full defensive aids suite.
The most demanding task from the "readiness" standpoint is that of tanker support to the UK Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Force - armed Typhoon aircraft which are able to get airborne within minutes to identify and, if necessary, shoot down any aircraft not complying with air traffic plans / procedures and instructions given when intercepted.
In the fast-jet era, the RAF has maintained this capability continuously - with complimentary tankers - for about 55 years with continual equipment upgrades:
Fighters: Lightning > Phantom > Tornado > Typhoon.
Tankers: Valiant > Victor / Vulcan > VC10 / Tristar > Voyager.
Whenever a QRA fighter is launched, a dedicated tanker on the same high readiness (within minutes - 24/7/365) is launched as well. When intercepting Russian bombers (daily during the Cold War and increasingly again now) it may be way out over the sea. When intercepting possible rogue civilian aircraft (9/11 type scenario), the Typhoons will go supersonic to get where they need to in time and may need a fuel top-up on task. It is a huge testament to AirTanker that the UK government now entrusts this task to them.
For any air force that requires QRA tankers and is able to source suitable crews, there are huge savings to be made using a civilian company and civilian crews who are willing to become military reservists. The QRA task requires a lot of sitting around waiting for something to happen - but when it does happen, it is exciting. There are plenty of civilian aircraft captains who would enjoy taking on the task which in turn helps solve part of the pilot shortage that some air forces suffer from.
If other air forces follow the RAF's lead, there are huge potential opportunities ahead in the business sector which $TMPS is just starting to get a foot in the door with following the acquisition of their ex-RAF Tristars.
For those that are interested in the wider picture as to how the UK ensures proper air defense and how tankers fit into QRA - here are a few videos:
UK QRA Procedures (overview/history then launch orders from 13:29):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hijzP1zzLI
QRA - AirTanker Perspective:
https://vimeo.com/139570722
In the USA, Omega - the only current operator in the business sector $TMPS has joined - has contracts to use its 3 x MRTT primarily for some training, exercise and trials sorties - enabling more USAF / USN assets to do the operational tasks.
In the UK, the Private Finance Initiative partnership Air Tanker - in conjunction with military personnel - provides the entire air-to-air refueling capability for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and many other MRTT tasks in operational theaters as well - with aircraft fitted with a full defensive aids suite.
The most demanding task from the "readiness" standpoint is that of tanker support to the UK Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Force - armed Typhoon aircraft which are able to get airborne within minutes to identify and, if necessary, shoot down any aircraft not complying with air traffic plans / procedures and instructions given when intercepted.
In the fast-jet era, the RAF has maintained this capability continuously - with complimentary tankers - for about 55 years with continual equipment upgrades:
Fighters: Lightning > Phantom > Tornado > Typhoon.
Tankers: Valiant > Victor / Vulcan > VC10 / Tristar > Voyager.
Whenever a QRA fighter is launched, a dedicated tanker on the same high readiness (within minutes - 24/7/365) is launched as well. When intercepting Russian bombers (daily during the Cold War and increasingly again now) it may be way out over the sea. When intercepting possible rogue civilian aircraft (9/11 type scenario), the Typhoons will go supersonic to get where they need to in time and may need a fuel top-up on task. It is a huge testament to AirTanker that the UK government now entrusts this task to them.
For any air force that requires QRA tankers and is able to source suitable crews, there are huge savings to be made using a civilian company and civilian crews who are willing to become military reservists. The QRA task requires a lot of sitting around waiting for something to happen - but when it does happen, it is exciting. There are plenty of civilian aircraft captains who would enjoy taking on the task which in turn helps solve part of the pilot shortage that some air forces suffer from.
If other air forces follow the RAF's lead, there are huge potential opportunities ahead in the business sector which $TMPS is just starting to get a foot in the door with following the acquisition of their ex-RAF Tristars.
For those that are interested in the wider picture as to how the UK ensures proper air defense and how tankers fit into QRA - here are a few videos:
UK QRA Procedures (overview/history then launch orders from 13:29):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hijzP1zzLI
QRA - AirTanker Perspective:
https://vimeo.com/139570722
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"Per Ardua Ad Astra" - "Through Adversity To The Stars"
A very apposite motto for those who trade successfully in the OTC market..
All posts are my opinion - trade at your own risk.
A very apposite motto for those who trade successfully in the OTC market..
All posts are my opinion - trade at your own risk.
