Work is now well underway on the first Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), meaning that aircraft for all four current MRTT customers are in conversion.
The latest aircraft to begin the process is the first of three for the UAE which will all be completed by Airbus Military. They are configured with Airbus Military´s advanced Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two underwing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods.
This aircraft joins those for Australia, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom, which are already under conversion in Spain. Altogether five MRTTs are now undergoing conversion, and two are flying and in final certification testing.
Head of Airbus Military Derivatives Antonio Caramazana said: “All of these programmes are making excellent progress and demonstrating the increasing maturity of the conversion process. We very much look forward to delivering the first aircraft this year.â€
About the A330 MRTT
The Airbus Military A330 MRTT is the only new generation strategic tanker/transport aircraft flying and available today. The large 111 tonnes/ 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 missions without the need for any additional fuel tank. The A330 MRTT is offered with a choice of proven air-to-air refuelling systems including an advanced Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System, and/or a pair of under-wing hose and drogue pods, and/or a Fuselage Refuelling Unit.
Thanks to its true wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT can also be used as a pure transport aircraft able to carry 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). To-date, a total of 28 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by four customers (Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom), with one (Saudi Arabia) having already placed a repeat order.
Source: EADS
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