Indos
PDF THINK TANK: ANALYST
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Actually I think that if we decide to pick up the A330 MRTT, we should just try to get surplus civilian A330s and then have it converted to A330 MRTT if possible... the potential for offset won't be as big as getting new build MRTTs or A400M, but GMF should at least get the contract and certification for MRTT local support and maintenance work..
For IFX, It seems we might differ here as I think we need to keep the probe AAR version we originally specified for IFX... I know that Boom AAR has a faster fuel transfer rate compared to Probe and the Koreans prefer to use that for KF-21... but I feel that the Probe has much more flexibility compared to Boom... Boom AAR needs a specialized large aerial tanker on the class of MRTT or KC-46, while Probe can use almost any other plane as a tanker if necessary (as long as it can carry a refueling pod), from modified transport planes like A400M & KC-130, to buddy-buddy refueling, to refueling by drone... so they will be much more flexible in this regard... no need to depend only on the large dedicated tankers for AAR support.
Drone AAR
View attachment 784446
Buddy-buddy AAR
View attachment 784447
Cargo plane AAR
View attachment 784448
Yup I think you are right that IFX should still stick to the original plan to use probe one, and Airbus MRTT 330 also has double AAR systems, so it will not be a problem either.
This can give more appealing to KF21 potential customers who uses probe AAR system in their Air Force.