Aircraft Research and Development Unit Archives

Royal Australian Air Force aircraft technician Corporal Aisha Norton-O'Donnell inspects the advanced refuelling boom system of a 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft, during air-to-air refuelling trials with the US Air Force. Story by Flight Lieutenant Grace Casey-Maughan. Photos by US Air Force.

Air-to-air refuelling trials complete

29/07/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 663 Views 0 Comments Aircraft Research and Development Unit, E-7A Wedgetail, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, No. 33 Squadron, US Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has completed air-to-air refuelling clearance trials with the United States Air Force (USAF) at

Roulette Two, Flight Lieutenant David Burnard, stands with Tour Down Under assistant race director Carlee Taylor before their PC-21 flight. Story and photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF swoops on Tour Down Under

12/02/202513/02/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1221 Views 0 Comments Aircraft Research and Development Unit, PC-21, Roulettes

From the beaches of Glenelg to the hills of Willunga, Royal Australian Air Force aircraft proudly supported the 2025 Santos

Aircraft Research and Development Unit flight test engineer Flight Lieutenant Stephanie Hume with a PC-21 on the flight line at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Story by Flying Officer Jamie Wallace. Photo by Corporal Brenton Kwaterski.

ADF People

Love of engineering fuels success

26/07/202304/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1685 Views 0 Comments ADFA, Aircraft Research and Development Unit, RAAF Edinburgh

As a flight test engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Steph Hume describes her job as bridging

Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Major General Hiroaki Sakanashi, right, with Wing Commander Neil Bowen at 33 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Story by Flight Lieutenant Julia Ravell. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Taylor Anderson.

News Royal Australian Air Force

RAAF/Japan make giant leap in air-to-air refuelling

20/07/202321/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1479 Views 0 Comments Aircraft Research and Development Unit, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, No. 33 Squadron, RAAF Amberley

Defence cooperation between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the RAAF took a significant leap forward last month. CAPTION: Japan

Royal Australian Air Force flight test engineer Flight Lieutenant Rosemary Taouk conducts flight test training in the United Kingdom in 2020. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jessica Aldred.

ADF People

Discovering unique challenges and benefits

08/03/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 2387 Views 0 Comments Aircraft Research and Development Unit, International Women's Day, RAAF Williamtown

Flight Lieutenant Rosie Taouk knows how important different perspectives are for problem solving. CAPTION:Royal Australian Air Force flight test engineer