Is it or isn't it a 747SP?

[Ikara]

This is a photo of an "aircraft" sitting on the tarmac at Pearce Airforce Base in WA. You can see it on www.nearmap.com - it is near the end of the 05 Runway. For those who haven't used Nearmap before it is like Google Earth, but it updates on a monthly basis so by selecting previous dates you can get a (sort of) time lapse photo. This craft has been there since Dec 09 and has been undergoing a lot of reconstruction and change. It looks like a 747SP, but only has 2 engines.

Anyone have any idea what it is?

This has the making of a great conspiracy theory.

JB

 

[Andyzx]

It looks like a Boeing nose but I think is the new tanker aircraft but why they are modifying it there I dont know.

The Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transports are five Airbus A330s that have been modified for air-to-air refueling and personnel transport.

Or give them a call
Defence public enquiries line is 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362) They might trace the call...

Could also be Singapore Airforce Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker as Sing AF use for training

 

[medhead]

Surely the tail "wings" [waiting to be caned for using the wrong term] are to stubby, fat and short. How about a training mock up for use by certain military types in WA.

 

[samh004]

According to Wikipedia, it’s likely to be this:

An airliner mock-up has been built on base to serve as an anti-hijacking training aid for the Australian Special Air Service's Counter-Terrorism squadron, also known as Tactical Assault Group (West). It is used to practise airliner entry and hostage rescue drills.

I say that as it’s been in the same spot in various stages of construction for years. Unless the mockup is elsewhere, but I couldn’t see another large plane on the base.

 

[markis10]

Sam is on the money, its for the SAS, you will find another similar one at Holsworthy just south of the airport that is visible if you on approach to 07 at SYD

 

[Ikara]

Wikipedia eh? Who'd a thunk it?

Thanks for the solution. As always AFF is the font of all knowledge - well, small font anyway.

Cheers
JB

 

[medhead]

Umm, yeah, thanks Sam for confirming my suggestion.

 

[samh004]

Umm, yeah, thanks Sam for confirming my suggestion.

Didn’t really read your post at the time, but I had thought it could be a firefighting mockup, until I did my digging on Wikipedia.

 

[Sifor]

An interesting snapshot of QF's new fleet at SYD:

 

[medhead]

Didn’t really read your post at the time, but I had thought it could be a firefighting mockup, until I did my digging on Wikipedia.

The is because you did actually dig whereas I was too lazy.