Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed the maiden flight of the first new standard A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport.
This model incorporates a number of enhancements introduced on the basic A330 as well as upgraded military systems as part of Airbus and Airbus Defence and Space's continuous product improvement program.
The three-hour flight took place on 30 September and the crew reported that the aircraft performed in line with expectations.
The new standard A330 MRTT features structural modifications, aerodynamic improvements giving a fuel-burn reduction of up to 1%, upgraded avionics computers and enhanced military systems. First delivery is due in 2018.
A total of 51 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by 10 nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, of which 28 have been delivered.
The A330 MRTT is the only new-generation Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft fully certified, in operational service and combat proven now.
The A330 MRTT uniquely offers military strategic air transport as well as superior air-to-air refueling capabilities that have already been extensively proven in numerous real operations by current operators.
The A330 MRTT is the most capable Tanker/ Transport currently available. It is the only solution offering true multi-role capabilities: three different roles in one single platform.
The A330 MRTT is able to perform all this roles in the same sortie without the need of reconfiguration, providing unique versatility in a wide range of varied missions worldwide. Able to carry up to 111 tonnes / 245,000 lb of fuel in its wings, the basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refueling missions and refuel any kind of receiver, without the need for any additional fuel tank, hereby avoiding any reduction in its ability to carry passengers or cargo.
Thanks to its inherited true wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT offers a great variety of configurations. It can be used as a pure transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb. It can also easily be converted to accommodate up to 130 stretchers for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.
The Airbus Group tanker is the benchmark for new generation refueling platforms: modern, adaptable and capable of carrying more passengers and freight whilst performing longer Air-to-Air Refueling missions at the same time.
Airbus Defence and Space, a division of Airbus Group, is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise and the second largest space business worldwide. Its activities include space, military aircraft and related systems and services. It employs more than 38,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of over 13 billion Euros.
