Aerial tanker with Israeli technology offered to Poland

Aerial tanker with Israeli technology offered to Poland

This post is also available in: heעברית (Hebrew)

767 tanker-LAAD

The Polish Air Force is evaluating the purchase of an aerial refueling aircraft from Israel aerospace industries (IAI).

The Polish Air Force operates F-16’s and they need a boom equipped tanker to fulfill their obligations to NATO.

Sources say that the offer includes a version with a probe and drogue system for the Russian made fighter aircraft operated by the Polish Air Force.

IAI is offering the new version of aerial tanker in cooperation with Polish company PGZ.

IAI has recently performed successful test-flights on a B767-300ER aircraft, equipped with an advanced Fly-by-Wire (FBW) boom system.

According to IAI, its concept is based on conversion of pre-owned 767 passenger aircraft.

Register to iHLS Israel Homeland Security

The low utilization rate of multi mission tanker / transport (MMTT) platforms compared to commercial passenger aircraft translates into a continued long-term service life at a considerably lower Life Cycle Cost than for new aircraft. As part of the conversion, a major part of the structure, wiring and systems are replaced, upgraded or refurbished. New engines, new military avionics including a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and new self-protection systems can also be offered, tailored to the customer’s specific requirements.

An IAI B767-200ER MMTT has been converted for the Colombian Air Force (CAF) and is performing successfully in all CAF support missions which include: air-refueling, troop and cargo transport, and presidential (VIP) transport worldwide.

From 2012-2013, the B767 MMTT performed successfully in the US Red Flag, Canadian Maple Flag and Brazilian Cruzex exercises.

IAI is currently also offering MMTT platforms based on converted B767-300ER. This version, with over 400,000 lbs MTOW, can carry over 200,000 lbs. of fuel, additional troops and extra cargo pallets.