MILITARY News

摘要

THE RAF has rolled out a specially painted Airbus A330 Voyager KC2 multi-role tanker/transport for use as a VIP transport for senior UK government officials and members of royalty, Now known as 'Vespina,' ZZ336 (c 1363), arrived back at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, on June 25, wearing its new, bespoke scheme, which cost £900,000 (US$1.1m) and was applied at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group's (MADG's) facility in Cambridge. According to the RAF: "The aircraft now proudly displays the Union Flag alongside RAF markings... The smart new paint scheme will promote the UK around the world while transporting ministers, senior members of the royal family and their delegations on trade, diplomatic and other missions." The aircraft also remains certified to continue its original role as an air-to-air refuelling and personnel transport platform, with images released by the MOD of it back in use the day after its return to Brize Norton, refuelling RAF F-35Bs and Typhoons over the North Sea during Exercise Crimson Ocean. Air Cdre Simon Edwards, the RAF's senior responsible officer for the scheme, said: "This project was a privilege to have been involved in and I am delighted to have seen it delivered so quickly and efficiently, together with our industry partners. The aircraft's new paint scheme will better reflect its prestige role, which we are proud to undertake." The project originated during the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in 2015. However, until now the aircraft had been visually indistinguishable to other Voyager MRTTs operated by the RAF.