14 November 2002

Smiths refuelling system offered for MOD Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft

London - The Tanker & Transport Service Company (TTSC) is offering the Smiths Aerospace refuelling system as part of its bid for the Ministry of Defence’s £13 billion Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme.

The FSTA will provide the Royal Air Force with a new air-to-air refuelling and air transport (AAR/AT) capability under a 27 year Private Finance Initiative (PFI). TTSC is offering the lowest risk, best value bid for Britain, based on converting the British Airways Boeing 767-300ER fleet into AAR platforms.

“Effective risk management lies at the heart of a successful PFI and the adoption of the Smiths refuelling system significantly reduces our programme risk”, said Keith Archer-Jones, Bid Director, TTSC. 

Risk reduction was a key factor in the selection of the Smiths refuelling system by Boeing, which is prime contractor to TTSC for the aircraft design and conversion. Boeing will contract to Smiths Aerospace, part of Smiths Group plc. Smiths is responsible for supplying an integrated air-to-air refuelling system and is highly regarded for its systems integration and programme management skills. 

Smiths was selected by Boeing in March 2002 to supply the same integrated system for the 767 Tanker Transport, which has been chosen by Italy and Japan and is the US Air Force’s preferred AAR platform. The Smiths system will be fully operational on the Italian Air Force 767 tanker two and half years before FSTA is scheduled to enter service with the RAF in 2008. These advanced 767 tanker programmes give the RAF the advantages on FSTA of receiving proven equipment, commonality with allied forces and access to a secure global support infrastructure.