The Algerian Air Force has evaluated Airbus Military's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and unconfirmed reports indicate that it will probably purchase three aircrafts. According to Aviation Week & Space Technology, an A330 MRTT destined for the UK's Royal Air Force conducted trials at the Algerian Air Force's Boufarik military transport base near Blida in early May.
The demonstration was requested by the Algerian government, which means the likelihood of a sale is high. The A330 MRTT is based on the commercial A330-200 passenger jet and is able to carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel in its wings. It can be used as a pure transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes. It can also be converted to accommodate up to 130 stretchers for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.
Algeria is modernising its military and seems to be replacing some of its older Russian equipment. It operates several Ilyushin Il-78 Midas aerial refuelling tankers. According to the Secret Difa3 blog, Boeing demonstrated a C-17 to the Algerian Air Force at the Tamanrasset test centre on 22 April. It was reportedly flown from the US Air Force's 446th Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base in Washington. Algeria is apparently looking to order 6-8 Globemaster IIIs but this cannot be confirmed.
For more news and expert analysis about Algeria, please see Algeria Focus and Algeria Politics & Security.
© 2013 Menas Associates
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