Page 7 - issue19.04.2019
P. 7
Royal Air Force News Friday, April 19, 2019 P7
News
Tanker is a Euro-star
Voyager fuels Dutch, German and
French fighters during combat drill
TANKS A LOT: German
Eurofighter refuels from
RAF Voyager. PHOTO: SQN
LDR CRAIG GIBSON
Toby Watkins “For example, we synchronise our plans
TANKER CREWS have taken part in a with the jets’ missions so that once refuelled FUELLING THE FIGHT: RAF Voyager.
major multinational air-to-air refuelling we place them in the best location for the PHOTO: MARK PARKINSON
exercise for the first time. next part of their sortie.”
Brize Norton-based 10 and 101 Tankers can also carry out out a search
Squadrons equipped with the A330 Voyager and rescue role as their endurance allows
joined their Dutch, French, and German them to keep over the area where the pilot
counterparts to hone the vital skills that would have ejected and coordinate any
keeps fast jets flying. rescue mission.
Mission Systems Officer Flight Sergeant Dutch KDC-10s, German A310 and
Paul Riley, who has flown on each of the French and US KC-135 aircraft took part
participating nations’ aircraft, said the job in the European Air Refuelling Training at
was more than being a gas station in the sky. Eindhoven airbase in Holland.
He said: “Fuel keeps fast jets like Typhoons RAF detachment leader Sqn Ldr Craig
in the fight. A big part of what this exercise Gibson said: “By operating alongside
was about was understanding their needs to tankers in one formation, we have been :we can only do on an exercise like this – Typhoon fighters throughout the two-week
be more than an airborne petrol station. able to practice tactics and techniques that refuelling French Mirage 2000 and German duration.”
RAF Gherk-ers CENTENARY CHALLENGE: SAC
Sam Lake, second from left, with
reach for the sky fellow team members. PHOTO:
Ollie Dixon/RAFBF
with charity bid
Tracey Allen
A TEAM of RAF fundraisers got
themselves in a pickle – scaling the
heights of London’s famous Gherkin
skyscraper for charity.
SACs Perry Wright, Sam Lake,
Alex Driver, Anna Duckett, Joseph
Martin and Karl Cassar ran up the
steps of the 180m high city building –
formally known as 30 St Mary’s Axe
– more than 25 times each to raise
money for the RAF Benevolent Fund
to mark the charity’s centenary year.
SAC Lake, who completed 48
ascents, said: “This was by far one
of the toughest things I have ever TALL ORDER: 180m tall Gherkin skyscraper
done. There are no windows or
air-conditioning, you just have to more than £1,908 of their £2,500
make it to the top before your legs target.
turn to jelly.” l To donate go to: justgiving.com/
The team have already raised GherkinChallenge19.