Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
Base Ohakea, Manawatu
The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a modern aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft based on the highly successful A330-200 commercial airliner. Developed by Airbus Defence and Space (formerly EADS), the A330 MRTT has become one of the world's most capable and widely adopted tanker aircraft since entering service in 2011. The aircraft features an advanced refueling system that can simultaneously operate both a centerline hose-and-drogue unit mounted under the rear fuselage and two underwing refueling pods, allowing it to refuel three aircraft at once—a unique capability among modern tankers. With a fuel capacity of approximately 111 tons for transfer, the A330 MRTT can support extended operations while also carrying passengers and cargo in its spacious main deck, making it a true multi-role platform that can conduct tanker, transport, and medical evacuation missions either separately or simultaneously.
“With a fuel capacity of approximately 111 tons for transfer, the A330 MRTT can support extended operations while also carrying passengers and cargo in its spacious main deck, making it a true multi-role platform that can conduct tanker, transport, and medical evacuation missions either separately or simultaneously.”
The A330 MRTT has achieved significant export success, being operated by multiple air forces including Australia (as the KC-30A), the United Kingdom (Voyager), Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, South Korea, France, and several other nations. The Royal Australian Air Force was the launch customer and has been particularly satisfied with the aircraft's performance, regularly demonstrating its capability to support operations across the vast Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft's advanced Airbus Military Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) provides boom refueling capability primarily for U.S.-manufactured aircraft, while the probe-and-drogue systems serve aircraft from various nations. Modern avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and the proven reliability of the A330 commercial platform contribute to high availability rates and relatively economical operating costs. The spacious cabin can be configured to carry up to 300 passengers or a combination of passengers and cargo pallets, with rapid reconfiguration possible between roles. The A330 MRTT's combination of fuel offload capacity, range, reliability, and multi-role flexibility has made it the tanker of choice for numerous nations modernizing their aerial refueling fleets.
