In June 2016, the UK AirTanker programme accomplished its 10,000th flight since the first Voyager took to the skies in April 2012 operating for the Royal Air Force.

AirTanker is a consortium made up of leading aerospace, defence and facilities management specialists, Babcock, Cobham, Airbus Group, Rolls-Royce and Thales offering unparalleled depth of expertise in aerospace and defence, delivered to the ‘front line’ in support of the RAF.

Director of Flight Operations, Iain Cullen, said: “In just four years, the high number of flights completed displays not only the level of requirement from the RAF for Voyager, but its adaptable use to suit many roles along with its reliability and efficiency. It’s a great achievement and is proof of the dedication and hard work of all involved who continue to provide this fantastic capability.”

AirTanker has delivered 14 Voyager aircraft, all of which are equipped with Cobham Mission Systems 905E wing aerial refuelling pods. Five of the 14 aircraft are three-point capable tankers which also carry Mission Systems 805E fuselage refuelling units for refuelling larger aircraft.

The 14 Voyager aircraft are available to the RAF over a 27-year period. Nine of the tankers are in the RAF’s ‘core’ line-up and the other five are considered ‘surge’ aircraft, meaning that they’re available to the RAF when needed, but otherwise are at the disposal of AirTanker for leasing to the civil market.

The Voyager aircraft in use by the RAF are providing invaluable support to UK activities around the world - refuelling fighter jets as well as large aircraft, transporting troops and providing medical evacuation services and humanitarian assistance.