RAF biggest ever aircraft transport and tanker begins testing in UK

Monday, April 18th 2011 - 18:57 UTC

Full article 7 comments

The Royal Air Force largest ever aircraft with a 60 metre wingspan and nearly 60 metres long arrived in the UK for the first time this week, the MOD has announced. The new future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) has also been named publicly by the RAF as Voyager. Read full article

Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules

briton
Well she seems ok, shame we may never own it, but 6,000 miles is a long way, [how far is the falklands]
the write up suggests the RAF can deal with any and all future events,
only time will prove that point, but it should keep certain people on their feet, as you never know who might drop in on you, from a great high, mm ??
Apr 18th, 2011 - 09:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Rufus
From RAFS Ascension? A little under 4,000 miles to Mount Pleasant.
Apr 19th, 2011 - 02:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Zethee
Yes this plane should be able to go from the UK to Ascension land, fuel up. Then straight to the islands. with troops and fuel.
Apr 19th, 2011 - 08:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
GeoffWard
Impressive
Apr 19th, 2011 - 12:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Zethee
“shame we may never own it”

The MOD have done something very smart with these planes. You see, the MOD don't “own” them. They are privately leased by a company(sort of). Only costing us about 300 mil a year for a fleet of i think 17 of these which is great value for money. And the company can make money from these planes also by letting other forces(such as france whom are intrested) and commercial companys hire them when we don't need them(The MOD can recall them at any time, always has first choise on useage).
Apr 19th, 2011 - 02:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Frank
Planes are only as good as the Loadmasters...ask the Band of the Mercian Regiment... :(
Apr 19th, 2011 - 10:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
WestisBest
Aye, it's a shame for them, very embarrassing.
Apr 20th, 2011 - 11:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!