Photo of the Day 15th November 2025.
G-VYGL, Airbus A330-243MRTT/KC2, Air Tanker, in (very) basic Royal Air Force colours, trying to hide behind a light pole at Manchester Airport, 14th March 2016.
The MRTT is Europe's attempt to replace the venerable KC-135, and is operated by the major European Air Forces, as well as Canada and Australia, amongst others.
This one has had the underwing refueling pods removed, while keeping the reinforced floor and plumbing for the refueling system, allowing it to be restored to full capability in a few weeks.
This tanker, as well as the other 13 MRTT/KLC2's others, are owned and operated by a private company, Air Tanker by a private on behalf of the Royal Air Force, with 10 operating as the core RAF fleet, and the other 4 available for short or long-term lease to offset their costs.
This is the opposite of the way the USAF operates their surge fleets - they pay airlines to make planes available for them at pretty much a moments notice, even if they are not needed - this is free income for the US airlines involved, until they actually have to provide those planes, where as the UK can recall their planes with short notice as needed.
This aircraft is currently on lease to Jet2, and used on high-density European routes.
#Manchester #MAN #EGCC #L12 #Airbus #A330 #MRTT #MultiRoleTankerTransport #AirTanker #RAF #RoyalAirForce
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