The Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the Royal Air Force is today visiting the United Kingdom for the first time.

The aircraft, one of two now flying following their conversion at Airbus Military’s Madrid facilities, is visiting RAF Boscombe Down in a move marking the beginning of the UK phase of test activities before delivery of the first aircraft.

Initially specialised ground-testing will take place, leading to airborne testing through the summer, involving both aircraft, to qualify the receiver aircraft in-service with the RAF.

The first aircraft of 14 on order will be delivered towards the end of the year for operation from RAF Brize Norton by the AirTanker consortium on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The remaining 12 aircraft will be converted by Cobham in the UK with continuing engineering support from Airbus Military.

Head of Airbus Military Derivatives Antonio Caramazana said: “It is an enormous pleasure to see the A330 MRTT in the home country of our biggest customer. We look forward to seeing it enter service later this year and beginning the transformation of the RAF’s tanker, transport and aero-medical evacuation capabilities.”

Airbus Military press release