RAAF aircraft makes first over Iraq

For the first time ever, a RAAF KC-30A tanker aircraft has refuelled a RAAF Wedgetail aircraft during a mission over Iraq.

RAAF tanker aircraft have refuelled RAAF Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft over Iraq from their wing drogues on numerous occasions but this was the first operational use of the rear boom to refuel another large aircraft.

During the operation, the KC-30A transferred 34,750 pounds of fuel in about 15 minutes, the equivalent of refuelling 300 family cars in less than three seconds per car.