The first (prototype) aircraft re-entered the conversion centre in Madrid, Spain, in February 2008 for installation of military avionics and the remainder of the fuel system modifications. Ground test activities were completed in December 2008. The contractor has successfully completed the second of three phases of developmental flight testing including: validation of refuelling pod aerodynamics; the performance of the new refuelling boom in free flight; and certification of the new tanker and receiver mode flight control laws. "Wet" contacts, i.e. fuel transfer, with both pods and boom are expected to be demonstrated in October 2009.
The second aircraft, the first to be converted in Australia, was inducted into the Qantas Australian Conversion Centre at Brisbane Airport in June 2008. Conversion is nearing completion. The third aircraft was delivered to the Conversion Centre in June 2009.
Testing of the new refuelling and military avionics systems during 2008-09 has confirmed system performance with no significant issues identified to date. The second aircraft will return to Spain around October 2009 to join the first aircraft for completion of qualification testing, additional training and receiver clearance activities to support achievement of an IOC by late 2010/ early 2011.
The project is approximately 14 months behind the contract baseline schedule.