A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport
The Benchmark
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The Airbus Military A330 MRTT has become the market leader in its category, thanks to its flight proven advantages:
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Superior performance
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Latest technology available
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True multi role flexibility
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Large basic fuel capacity
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Permanent lower deck freight capacity
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Excellent payload/range capability
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Low life cycle costs.
Air-to-Air Refuelling Systems
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The large 111 000 kg/245 000 lb basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) missions without any additional fuel tanks.
The A330 MRTT is offered with a choice of proven AAR systems including:
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An advanced Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS)
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Two Cobham 905E hose and drogue under-wing pods
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A Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU)
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A Universal Air Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) to be refuelled by another tanker.
Air Transport Capabilities
Thanks to its true wide-body fuselage with the optimised Airbus 222-inch cross-section, the A330 MRTT can also be used as a pure transport aircraft able to carry up to 380 passengers 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).
As no extra fuel tanks are needed the A330 MRTT maintains the extensive A330-200 payload capacity, with two lower deck cargo compartments (forward and aft) and a bulk area.
The versatility of the A330 MRTT enables a large number of cargo options to be transported. From standard commercial containers, such as the most used LD3, and pallets through military, ISO and NATO pallets and containers, to military vehicles. As an option the main deck can be configured for cargo transport with the installation of a large door to allowing large items of equipment to be carried.
Military Systems
The A330 MRTT also features a suite of advanced military avionics integrated with the civil avionics, and can also be provided with a comprehensive survivability package including a Defensive Aid System, fuel tank inerting and cockpit armouring.
An Accepted Standard
The A330 MRTT solution has won the last five competitions, making a total of 28 MRTTs:
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Five KC-30A MRTTs (local name of the A330 MRTT) ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force
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Six A330 MRTTs ordered by the Royal Saudi Air Force
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Three A330 MRTTs ordered by the United Arab Emirates Air Force
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Fourteen A330 FSTAs ordered by AirTanker to supply the UK’s Royal Air Force with air-to-air refuelling and strategic transport services
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The A330 MRTT was also selected by the United States Air Force for 179 aircraft, but the competition has been cancelled and will be reopened by the current administration.
Further information |
