(RAF WADDINGTON, England) -- In a news release, the Offutt-based 55th Wing says a French A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Phénix refueled U.S. and U.K. RC-135 aircraft during an exercise over central France, marking the first air-to-air refueling integration among the U.S., United Kingdom, and France involving the RC-135.
"Exercise Ravitaillement en Vol" brought together a U.S. Air Force TC-135 training aircraft, a Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint and a French Air and Space Force A330 MRTT Phénix.
The release says the event demonstrated how aircraft, crews, and staff members from three NATO nations can operate as an increasingly integrated force.
It established a pathway for U.S. and U.K. RC-135 fleets to access more than 30 allied A330 MRTT tankers worldwide, expanding the reach and flexibility of a critical NATO intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability.
For the 55th Wing, which organizes, trains and equips the U.S. Air Force RC-135 fleet, the integration expands operational reach and flexibility across multiple theaters by increasing refueling options, extending time on station, and giving commanders greater freedom to respond as mission demands evolve.
Personnel from the 55th Wing, 55th Operations Group, and Nebraska Air National Guard’s 170th Group participated alongside members of the RAF’s 51 and 56 squadrons at RAF Waddington and the French Air and Space Force’s 31st Air Refueling and Strategic Transport Wing.
The multinational team conducted combined planning, simulator training, mission briefings, and live refueling sorties. After several days of preparation, the team flew the key mission in designated refueling areas over central France.
(Pictures from 55th Wing)