3 missions in 1 Refuelling systems Multi-role Media

As the most capable new-generation tanker, combat-proven and with unique multi-role capabilities, the A330 MRTT – based

on the successful A330-200 airliner – is the benchmark for multi-role tankers.

As a new-generation tanker, the A330 MRTT is a perfect replacement for older aircraft under fleet replacement programmes.

With 60 total aircraft sales as of February 2019, the A330 MRTT has been ordered by the Royal Air Force, French Air Force

and Republic of Korea Air Force, among others. Named Voyager in service with the Royal Air Force, the aircraft entered into

service in the UK in 2012. The first French Air Force A330 MRTT Phénix (as it is known in the French service) was delivered to

the Istres air base in south-eastern France, in 2018.

Orders & deliveries

Total Orders 60

Total Deliveries 39

Total in Operation 39

A330 MRTT – Three missions in one

Refuelling mission

The A330 MRTT can carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel; this is the highest capacity of all tanker aircraft, even those with additional fuel tanks
in the cargo deck. It has the capacity of offloading 50,000 kg of fuel to a broad range of receivers during a four-hour loitering mission at
over 1,000 nm from its take-off point.

Transport

The A330 MRTT can carry a maximum payload of up to 45 tonnes, combining the passenger cabin and the lower deck: up to 300
passengers; MedEvac cabin layout with 40 stretchers, 20 seats for medical staff and 100 passengers; up to 37 tonnes of cargo in the
lower deck; 27 LD3 containers or eight military pallets.

Deployment mission

Another typical mission is the deployment of fighter aircraft over a long distance. The A330 MRTT can support the deployment of four
fighter aircraft plus 50 personnel and 12 tonnes of freight (luggage, spare parts and equipment) in one direct flight over 5,200 km, e.g.
from Europe to Afghanistan.

Key figures
 In air-to-air refuelling (AAR) missions 97% success rate

Flight hours More than 125,000

Acquired by Eight leading customers around the world

Missions Three missions in one

Refuelling systems

The A330 MRTT is the most effective tanker based on its unmatched fuel capacity that allows it to offload more fuel at any

given distance than any competitor. More fuel on-board means more flexibility, more range and longer time on station. Its

enormous fuel capacity allows the A330 MRTT to act as a force multiplier, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of fast

jets operations.

Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS)

To refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35A Lightning II, or even the A330 MRTT itself

(when fitted with a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation, UARRSI), the A330 MRTT is provided with the

advanced Airbus Defence and Space Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS).

Its fast fuel flow rate (up to a maximum of 3,600 kg/min – 1,200 US gal/min) makes the ARBS the most capable new-

generation flight-proven boom available.

Excellent handling qualities are provided for the operation of the ARBS, rated as such by independent assessments.
Under-wing pods

Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU)

Multi-role strategic transport with global reach

With its true widebody fuselage, the A330 MRTT is ideal to carry any kind of military or humanitarian payload on strategic

missions.

Furnished with an attractively modern design, the cabin is conceived to ensure optimum seating configurations in every class,

maximising capacity and providing airline comfort These features enable a complete range of interior configurations from
maximising capacity and providing airline comfort. These features enable a complete range of interior configurations, from

pure passenger and troop transport to the complex customisation required for VIP guests. For example, it can accommodate

266 passengers in a typical two-class configuration or some 300 in a single-class layout.

The A330 MRTT is capable of carrying a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb. The versatility of the A330 MRTT enables cargo

to be conveniently stored inside the lower deck in a variety of cargo options covering the full range of existing under-floor

cargo containers and pallets, ranging from the LD1 to LD3 to LD6, as well as the standard 88×108 inch 463-L NATO military

pallets. Some of the cargo can also be carried as non-palletised “bulk.” Commercial containers and pallets as well as military

equipment and other large items are loaded through a cargo door.
The A330 MRTT is also an outstanding strategic aeromedical evacuation (MedEvac) aircraft. Its large fuselage permits

maximum flexibility for up to 130 NATO stretchers to be carried over intercontinental distances. In a “light medevac”

configuration, medical beds can be installed above designated fold-down seats. This allows the aircraft to be used as a troop

transport on an outbound relief mission, with medical beds stowed in the lower cargo compartments, and then rapidly

converted for MedEvac on the return. In an “Intensive MedEvac” configuration, critical care modules can be installed to

replicate an intensive care unit in the air. The aircraft could typically carry 28 NATO stretchers, up to six critical care modules,

20 seats for medical staff and 100 passenger seats.