The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to receive its first Airbus Military A330 MRTT future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA), the largest RAF aircraft in its history.

The aircraft underwent conversion at Airbus Military’s Madrid facilities and will further undergo the UK phase of test activities at RAF Boscombe Down before it is delivered.

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The UK phase of test activities include specialised ground testing, airborne testing that will qualify the receiver aircraft in-service with the RAF.

The first of 14 aircraft ordered will be delivered towards the end of the year, which will operate from RAF Brize Norton, UK.

The remaining aircraft will be converted by Cobham with continuing engineering support from Airbus Military.

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