A330 MRTT: The 21st century benchmark for new generation tanker/transport aircraft

The A330 MRTT is the only new-generation multi-role tanker transport aircraft flying, and fully certified. Having demonstrated its capability during an extensive flight test campaign and following a first delivery in early June 2011, it made its first flight in RAAF service in September 2011. The A330 MRTT uniquely offers simultaneous military strategic air transport and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.

The A330 MRTT is the most capable tanker/ transporter currently available. It is the only aircraft able to perform simultaneously three different types of missions: Aerial Refuelling (tanker role), passenger and/or freight transport, and/or medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) - making it exceptionally productive. Additionally, its fuel capacity is sufficient to supply the required quantities without the need for any additional tanks, or major structural modifications and it is able to carry more passengers and more freight than any competing type.

The A330 MRTT is based on the advanced medium- to long-range, twinaisle, twin-engine commercial aircraft of the Airbus fly-by-wire family, the A330. More than 1,100 of these have been sold to some 90 customers and over 800 are operated all around the globe, ensuring easy support and many years of commercial life ahead.

Derived from the successful A330-200 series which has a wing large enough to hold all the fuel needed to make it the highest performing tanker, the A330 MRTT is able to carry up to 111 tonnes/245,000 lb of fuel in its wings alone. This enables it to excel in air-to-air refuelling missions. Without the need for any additional fuel tanks, it retains its full and simultaneous passenger and cargo carrying capability. The A330-200 has a range of up to 8,000 nm/14,800 km, with a maximum speed of Mach 0.86.