The first MRTT Phénix mechanics to receive part of their training in the civilian sector |
| Helen Chachaty |
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28 APR 2017 | 499 words
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© Airbus DS |
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Forecasting the arrival of the first A330 MRTT Phénix, planned for October 2018, the French air force is finishing the training programme for the tanker's future maintenance technicians. While two pilots have already been trained on KC-30A in Australia and Voyager in the United Kingdom, mechanics will be provided with a programme for which the first session will last one year, starting this September.
Thirty seven mechanics will be the first to attend the MRTT maintenance programme. This programme will be carried out in several phases: the first one, lasting two months, will enable them to acquire A330-type qualification; this should take place in Toulouse. This will then be followed by a practical period within an airline. As the offers are "currently being analysed", the French air force did not want to comment on this for the moment. Two French airlines are using A330-200s powered by Trent 700s, the same configuration as the future MRTTs, XL Airways and Corsair. These two airlines could be involved in the mechanics' practical training, where the mechanics will train to maintain cells and engines. A third phase will seek to provide operators with specialist training on the MRTT, before a return to BA 125 at Istres, for a final qualification stage in implementing and maintaining the planes.
The second training session to welcome the second A330 MRTT will feature 19 mechanics, who will strengthen the staff already operating on Phénix. The six-month application period will then be carried out directly on the MRTT. The French air force is also planning to take the whole training programme "in-house" by 2020 in order to be able to train all mechanics at the Istres site. The volume of training will be increased "according to plane delivery, to reach numbers of over 210 mechanics at the MRTT maintenance centre in 2025".
The French air force should be receiving twelve A330 MRTT Phénix between 2018 and 2025 to replace a fleet of eleven C135FRs, three KC135RGs, three A310s and two A340s for in-flight refuelling, transport or medical evacuation operations (with the MORPHEE kit). The first French plane arrived at the Getafe factor in Spain last July for modifications.
The French fleet will be made up of "Enhanced" MRTTs powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700s. In particular, the improved version of the Airbus Defence & Space refueller features structural modifications to the wing spar boxes, the fuselage and the main landing gear, as well as a modernised IFF, a new mission planning system, the integration of AFB and satellite communication. The L16, a camera that enables 3D-vision, the console, the nacelle and the rigid refuelling pipe, the MEDEVAC capacities and adaptations for deterrent activities will be available from delivery in the first standard. Satellite communication, the ability to retransmit date from a RECO-NG pod on the Rafale to a command station (DAéTRIS system) and self-protection will be integrated into standard 2 by 2024.
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