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The first of 14 future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) for the Royal Air Force has completed its maiden flight.

The craft is in civil fit and the next production stage will ensure its militarisation and tanker conversion.

The RAF will replace its present fleet of VC-10 tanker and TriStar aircraft with the future strategic tankers.

UK Ministry of Defence will receive the £10bn FSTA service under a 27-year private finance initiative contract between the ministry and manufacturer AirTanker.

The aircraft will be owned, maintained and operated by the manufacturer for RAF as per the contract.