The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed an order for three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT), Airbus has announced in a press release. In the scope of the agreement, the handover of the first aircraft in transport configuration is scheduled in the coming days, followed by its conversion to MRTT in 2024. The handover of the first fully converted aircraft is scheduled in 2023 and the third and final unit in 2025. The contract covers associated support such as:
- spares
- ground support equipment
- training and in-service support until the end of the contract
The aircraft, acquired from Iberia, will be converted to MRTT configuration at Airbus’ Spanish headquarters in Getafe, Spain. They will be equipped with a hose and drogue refuelling system and a specific Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit. The A330 MRTT fleet will be operated by the Spanish Air Force 45 Wing, based in Torrejón Air Base (Madrid), the company said.
The large 111 tonnes / 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to carry out air-to-air refuelling without the need for additional fuel tanks. Thanks to its wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT can also be used as a dedicated transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb. It can also be converted to accommodate light and intensive care stations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC). With more than 250,000 flight hours achieved, the A330 MRTT counts 51 deliveries to 13 customers.
UAE A330 MRTT Order
The United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence has also ordered two additional Airbus A330 Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft increasing the country’s MRTT fleet to five aircraft, Airbus has announced in a press release. With deliveries starting in 2024, this agreement also covers the upgrade of the country’s current A330MRTT fleet to the latest enhanced version, the company says.
