A French A330 tanker transport has refueled US and UK RC-135 aircraft during an exercise over France, marking the first integration of a French tanker with US and UK reconnaissance aircraft within the RC-135 enterprise.
A French A330 tanker transport has refueled US and UK RC-135 aircraft during an exercise over France, marking the first integration of a French tanker with US and UK reconnaissance aircraft within the RC-135 enterprise.
The milestone was achieved during Exercise Ravitaillement en Vol, which brought together a Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, a US Air Force TC-135 training aircraft, and French Air and Space Force A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Phénix.
It builds on testing conducted in October 2023 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, involving a US RC-135 and a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A, which is based on the A330 MRTT.
The exercise gives the reconnaissance aircraft more allied refueling options, enabling it to stay airborne longer during missions and reduce reliance on a single nation, tanker fleet, or operating location.
In addition, the three NATO allies demonstrated interoperability beyond aircraft compatibility, requiring them to coordinate procedures, communications, command relationships, airspace requirements, and emergency actions.
French Air Force A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in flight. Photo: AirbusReconnaissance Aircraft
Boeing’s RC-135 is an extensively modified C-135 Stratolifter designed to collect and analyze electronic intelligence, communications, and other information.
The intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft conducts long-duration missions and relies on aerial refueling to extend its time airborne and remain on station for longer periods.
Powered by four F-108 turbofan engines, the aircraft can travel at speeds of over 500 miles (805 kilometers) per hour and is primarily refueled by the KC-135 Stratotanker.
The US Air Force operates its RC-135 fleet through the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, while the UK operates its RC-135W fleet through No. 51 Squadron at Royal Air Force Station Waddington.
