MMU Successfully Conducts First Heavy Air-to-Air Refuelling Operation With C-17 Aircraft

The Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) successfully completed its first heavy air-to-air refuelling operation with a C-17 aircraft, marking a significant step towards operational readiness. This mission focused on training and procedural accuracy to ensure future readiness for actual fuel transfer operations.

On May 14, the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its first heavy air-to-air refuelling (AAR) operation with a C-17 aircraft. This mission marks a crucial step in the MMU’s journey towards full operational readiness for heavy AAR.

Pilot and Crew Experience

The refuelling mission involved four experienced C-17 pilots from the NATO Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW). It was their first time participating in AAR operations with an A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The mission also served as a training opportunity for two Aerial Refuelling Operators (AROs), enhancing their expertise in heavy AAR procedures.

Rene van der Gun, one of the AROs, explained the unique aspects of refuelling heavy receivers like the C-17. Unlike lighter aircraft, which line up on the tanker’s wing before refuelling, heavy receivers approach directly from behind, about 50 feet from the boom. “Everything is much slower with heavy receivers, giving you more time for each action and making it less hectic,” said van der Gun. He noted that the control logic for heavy receivers requires more strength to steer the boom due to its less sensitive nature.

Clearance and Assessments

The Netherlands Military Aviation Authority (NLD MAA) and MMU test pilots conducted a thorough assessment, granting operational clearance for the MMU without needing additional test flights. Currently, the C-17 is the only heavy receiver cleared for refuelling by the MMU. However, tests are ongoing with NATO AWACS and future operations involving B-52 aircraft are being planned.

Mission Outcomes

The mission primarily focused on dry contacts between the A330 MRTT and the C-17. These dry contacts are critical for training and certification, ensuring all personnel are prepared for future refuelling missions involving actual fuel transfer. Nico Temming, the pilot in command of the A330, explained that a typical heavy AAR mission would involve offloading around 30 tons of fuel, but this mission emphasized training and procedural accuracy without transferring fuel.

This successful mission demonstrated the capabilities of the A330 MRTT and the readiness of the C-17 pilots, reinforcing the MMU’s commitment to safe and efficient air-to-air refuelling operations. As the MMU continues to expand its operational capabilities, this achievement lays a solid foundation for future heavy AAR operations, supporting a broader range of NATO and allied air forces.

The MMU operates the A330 MRTT aircraft, a versatile platform capable of performing air-to-air refuelling, strategic transport of passengers and cargo, and medical evacuation. The unit is part of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which manages the fleet to support NATO and partner nations.

The NATO Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW), based at Pápa Air Base in Hungary, operates three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The HAW provides strategic airlift capability for NATO and partner nations, capable of transporting large payloads over long distances.

The collaboration between the MMU and HAW enhances the interoperability and effectiveness of NATO air operations, ensuring that allied forces remain ready and capable of responding to various operational requirements worldwide.

This milestone in heavy AAR operations signifies a major advancement in the capabilities of NATO and its allies, promoting greater flexibility and readiness in air mobility and refuelling operations.