Airbus A330 MRTT

Based on the A330 airliner, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is an aerial refueller and transport aircraft. To date, 16 countries have ordered over 68 aircraft. The MRTT is equipped to refuel other aircraft mid-air by the probe and drogue system or using a remotely operated boom. Airbus has demonstrated advanced refuelling technology using a boom-equipped A330 MRTT whereby aircraft have been refuelled autonomously without any input from a boom operator within the aircraft. In addition to aerial refuelling, the MRTT can also carry up to 380 passengers or less in VIP configurations or up to 45,000kg of cargo.

The Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) is a joint EU and NATO organisation consisting of six nations – Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany and Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway whereby an eventual fleet of ten A330MRTT are co-operated, providing each of them with a full strategic air tanker capability. Whilst the aircraft are owned by NATO, they wear the markings of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and are home-based at Eindhoven, with a forward operating base at Cologne. The aircraft differ from the RAF Voyager via the inclusion of a boom refuelling system.

A single MMF A330MRTT flown by the Multi-Role Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) will be appearing on static display at RIAT25.

Photo Credit: Andy Evans