Description:
The Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft is a derivative of the proven A310-300 and A330-200 airliners modified to perform air refueling and tactical transport missions in support of military forces worldwide.
The A330 MRTT is a three points tanker for refueling by means of wing-mounted pods and hose-and-drogue and/or advanced refueling boom systems. Each Airbus A330 MRTT will be able to deliver 65 tons of fuel in its air-to-air refueling role, at a distance of 1,000 miles from base, following up to two hours on station.
The A330 MRTT aircraft features greater fuel capacity than A310 MRTT and spacious lower holds to transport larger payloads. All of the fuel is carried entirely within existing tanks in the wing and tail. This leaves the whole cabin free for some 272 seats in the A330 MRTT's troop-transport role, and its entire cargo hold free to carry military equipment on pallets or in containers.
Australia selected the Air Refueling Boom System/ARBS-equipped A330 MRTT aircraft with General Electric CF6-80E1 engines in April 2004. Five A330 MRTTs worth €1.2 billion ($1.5 billion) will be procured by the Australian Air Force to replace aging Boeing 707 tanker aircraft fleet. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) signed the contract with EADS' Military Transport Aircraft Division for five Airbus A330-200 MRTT on December 20, 2004. Qantas Airways was chosen to provide logistics support for the aircraft.
Deliveries of Australian A330 MRTTs powered by General Electric CF6-80E1 engines are due to begin in 2008 with conversion work on the first A330-200 jetliner to be carried out by EADS in Europe. Qantas will modify the remaining four aircraft in Australia. Australian companies Australian Aerospace - an EADS subsidiary-, ADI and GKN are also involved in this program. Entry into service is expected in 2009.
Northrop-Grumman announced on 14 March 2005 that Nemesis Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) were chosen to safeguard Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) A330s under a $24 million contract with deliveries expected to begin in January 2007.
The United Kingdom selected the A330 MRTT powered by Trent 700 engines for its £13 billion ($23 billion) FSTA program in early 2004. The 27-year FSTA program will replace 19 VC 10s and 9 Tristar aircraft. Recently, France and Airbus have entered negotiations for the purchase of this aircraft intended for the French Air Force. AirTanker was confirmed formally preferred bidder by UK MoD for the FSTA program on February 28, 2005.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 3, Passengers 295, Stretchers 40
Dimensions: Length 59 m, Wingspan 60.3 m
Weights: Fuel Load 111 t, Max Takeoff Weight 230 t, Max Zero Fuel Weight 168 t, Payload 35 t
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 144,000 lb (65,318 kg)
Performance: Max Range 12,500 km (6,749 nm)
Fuel: Fuel Dispensing Rate 5,000 l/min using three refueling points, Fuel Weight Consumption at Cruise 6,000 kg/hr
Aircraft utilized by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the KC-30B designation. KC-30B is equipped with the EADS' ARBS (Air Refueling Boom System).
Saudi Arabia / 3 / Planned
United Arab Emirates / 3 / Planned
United Kingdom / 14
Specific equipment
AAQ-24(V) LAIRCM, Trent 772B
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Australia / 5 
Aircraft utilized by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the KC-30B designation. KC-30B is equipped with the EADS' ARBS (Air Refueling Boom System).
Saudi Arabia / 3 / 
United Arab Emirates / 3 / 
United Kingdom / 14 