For the first time, fighters JAS-39 Gripen of the Czech Air Force trained in-flight refueling (REVO) with an Airbus A330 MRTT from the NATO MMF Fleet, last Wednesday (14). The unprecedented action took place in the Giant Mountains region and saw the fighter jets make dry s with the large tanker aircraft.
In the past, Gripen pilots from Čáslav Air Base had already trained REVO with other tankers, such as an Airbus A400M from , a Boeing KC-767 from Italy, a C-130 Hercules from Sweden and a KC-135 from United States.
The Czech Republic has participated in the MRTT Multinational Fleet (MMF) Program since 2019. The activity marked the first time that the country's fighters – soon to be replaced by the F-35 Lightning – made with the A330s of the project, which brings together six countries and maintains a fleet of eight A330 multi-mission tankers.
During training, the Czech Gripen only carried out dry s, that is, the probe and refueling basket were fitted, but without fuel transfer. The activity verified that the Czech pilots are ready for REVO, even without actually being refueled.
Pilots described the air-to-air refueling procedure as very challenging. The maneuver requires high precision, as the aircraft travels at a speed of over 500 km per hour and the edge of the basket is just a few tens of centimeters from the cabin. “In the final phase, the pilot needs to carefully approach the tanker at walking speed. The tanker unwinds the hose with the drogue and the Gripen pilot needs to properly position the refueling probe on it.”, said a pilot from Čáslav Air Base.
The exercise above the Giant Mountains provided dry training that verified the Czech JAS-39 Gripen pilots' ability to make a close encounter with the tanker without actually refueling.
According to Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, The first with the tanker aircraft designated KC-30M was made by an experienced refueling instructor from the 21st Tactical Wing. The second approach was conducted by the aircraft of the Commander of the 211th Tactical Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel Vladimír Málek. After this first activity, other pilots should undergo training at the end of this month.
“Refueling with this tanker is not significantly different from others, especially other turbofan [jet] aircraft, as the procedures are standardized and so is the refueling device.”, said the Lieutenant. Cel. “However, this aircraft is the largest of all the aircraft we are qualified for. This changes the perspective slightly as you move around the tanker,” the Squadron Commander added.”
The Airbus A-330 MRTT multipurpose tankers use two refueling methods. The boom system, as well as the probe and basket system, which is used by the JAS-39 Gripen aircraft.
“Having the opportunity to practice with the tanker is vital for the pilot’s qualification. It is defined by the maximum breaks allowed, but the more training you receive, the greater the success rate and the speed of connection and refueling and, in fact, the growth of the pilot's operational skills.”, said Málek. Currently, most Czech Gripen pilots are REVO trained and maintain qualification.
Given its hip of the MMF, Czechia can use up to 100 flight hours per year for aerial refueling, as well as for air transport of cargo and engers and for medical evacuation. “This allows us to introduce great precision into our air-to-air refueling planning and performance within the tanker flight hours we have available as .”, added Lieutenant Colonel Málek.
