RAAF receives third A330 MRTT

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken delivery of its third A330 MRTT multi-role tanker/transport aircraft, according to a statement issued by Airbus Military on 8 November.

The aircraft is the third of five to be delivered under project AIR 5402, the programme that will see the Australian Defence Force (ADF) enhance their in-flight refuelling, air logistics support and air combat capabilities.

Designated KC-30A by the ADF, Australia is the first nation to operate the A330 MRTT aircraft. The first two KC-30As were delivered in June, the fourth will be handed over in December and the fifth will be delivered during 2012.

According to Airbus Military, the in RAAF service, the aircraft are equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. Powered by two General Electric CF6-80E engines, the aircraft are equipped with a comprehensive defensive aids suite (DAS) and fitted with 270 passenger seats.

The A330 MRTT has also been ordered by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, with Saudi Arabia having already placed a repeat order.

According to the company, the aircraft received its supplemental type certificate from European civil certification Authority EASA in March 2010 and military certification from Spanish Authority INTA in October 2010, 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.