AIRBUS DEFENCE and Space has completed conversion of the third A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). It ordered four of the type, which it designates KC-330 Cygnus, under a procurement with an estimated value of US$1.33bn.
The aircraft, EC-339 (c/n 1883), callsign ‘AED352’, arrived at Manchester Airport in the UK on June 7, marked only as ‘MRTT052’ and ‘K3’, for painting by Air Livery.
After receiving full ROKAF colours, including serial 19-003, it returned to Getafe, Spain on June 22 to undergo final preparations for delivery. The ROKAF’s first KC-330, 18-001, arrived in South Korea last November 12, followed by the second, 19-002, on March 25.
The type is operated by the 261st Air Refueling Squadron as part of the 5th Air Mobility Wing at Gimhae Air Base. The fourth aircraft will be F-WWYV (c/n 1891), which made its first flight as a ‘green’ unconverted airframe from Toulouse last September 5. Dave Allport.
AW159 enters Philippine Navy service
THE AW159 maritime helicopter was formally commissioned into service with the Philippine Navy’s (PN) Naval Air Group at Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City on June 17. Personnel will now undergo training on the…
