Lockheed Tri Star (RAF)

Lockheed Tri Star (RAF)

The Lockheed TriStar is an air-to-air tanker and transport aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). All are converted civilian Lockheed L-1011-500 TriStar airliners—previously operated by British Airways and Pan American World Airways—and entered service with the RAF in 1984.

The converted aircraft were purchased following the Falklands War, after a requirement for additional air-to-air refuelling operations had been identified. Of the nine in service, two are tankers (K1) with passenger space and also limited space for cargo loaded aft of the main deck; three are solely transport aircraft (C2); and the remaining four (KC1) can be used for either of the two roles. Together with converted Vickers VC10s, the TriStars form the air-to-air refuelling fleet of the RAF. They are due to be replaced by the Airbus A330 MRTT under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, from late 2011.

The TriStar fleet is operated by No. 216 Squadron of RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.