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The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is an aerial refuelling tanker aircraft based on the civilian A330-200. The Northrop Grumman KC-45 was a version of the A330 MRTT proposed for the United States Air Force.
[edit] Design and developmentThe A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a military derivative of the Airbus A330-200 airliner. It is designed as a dual-role air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft. For air-to-air refuelling missions the A330 MRTT can be equipped with a combination of any of the following systems:
The A330 MRTT has a maximum fuel capacity of 111,000 kg (245,000 lb). Standard fuel capacity allows the carriage of an additional 45,000 kg of cargo. The A330 MRTT's wing has common structure with the four-engine A340-200/-300 with reinforced mounting locations for the A340's outboard engines. The A330 MRTT's wing therefore requires little modification for use of these hardpoints for the wing refuelling pods.[1] The A330 MRTT cabin is designed to ensure optimum seating configurations in every class, that maximise both capacity and comfort. The cabin can be configured in a large variety of layouts from 253 seats in a three class configuration, through 298 passengers in a two-class configuration, to 380 passengers in a single class configuration. The cabin is furnished with an attractively modern design. These features enable a complete range of configurations from maximized troop transport to complex customization suitable for VIP and guest missions. An optional Crew Rest Compartment (CRC), located in the forward cabin can be installed for a spare crew in order to increase time available for a mission. The passenger cabin of the A330 MRTT can be provided with a set of removable airstairs to enable the crew and passengers to enter and leave the aircraft when airbridges or ground support equipment are not available. The A330 MRTT can also be configured to perform Medical Evacuation (Medevac) missions. The large size of the fuselage permits maximum flexibility and ensures comfort to all patients, e.g. up to 130 standard stretchers can be carried. Like the A330-200, the A330 MRTT includes two lower deck cargo compartments (forward and aft) and a bulk area capability which further demonstrates the versatility of the aircraft. The cargo hold has been modified to be able to transport up to 8 military pallets in addition to civilian ULD. The versatility of the A330 MRTT enables a large number of cargo options to be transported in the optional main deck cargo compartment. From standard commercial containers and pallets through military, ISO and NATO pallets (including seats) and containers, to military equipment and other large items which are loaded through a cargo door. Standard commercial A330-200s are delivered from Airbus Final Assembly Line in Toulouse (France) to Airbus Military Conversion Centre in Getafe (Spain) for fitting of refuelling systems and military avionics. The first delivery to the launch customer, Australia is planned for mid-2010. Qantas Defence Services is converting the remaining four A330-200s at its Brisbane Airport facility on behalf of EADS for the RAAF.[2] [edit] Operational historyThe A330 MRTT has been ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), UK's Royal Air Force (RAF), United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. [edit] AustraliaThe RAAF's five aircraft will be equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods. Australia was initially to procure four aircraft with an option to obtain a fifth, however the RAAF has since decided to go ahead with the procurement of the fifth aircraft to allow for two simultaneous deployments of two aircraft, with the fifth providing contingency cover. All of Australia's Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft will be operated by No. 33 Squadron RAAF based at RAAF Base Amberley from 2009 on.[3] The Australian aircraft are designated KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports.[4] [edit] United KingdomIn January 2004, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that a variant of the A330 MRTT had been selected to provide tanking service for the RAF for the next 30 years under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme. The UK Ministry of Defence then began exclusive negotiations with the AirTanker consortium. However, beginning in April 2004, there have been continuing rumours on the fragile state of the contract negotiations. This culminated in an ultimatum by the UK's Defence Procurement Agency, delivered to EADS, demanding a reduced price for the aircraft. In June 2007, The UK Ministry of Defense gave the green light to a private finance initiative deal worth about £13 billion ($26 billion) to equip the UK Royal Air Force with the 14 A330 MRTT tankers, which will begin to replace the Royal Air Force's existing L-1011 and VC10 tankers from 2011 - two years later than originally planned. The RAF aircraft will operate solely with the probe and drogue (also used with Airbus A310 MRTT). On 27 March 2008, the UK Ministry of Defense signed a deal to lease 14 aircraft from EADS-led consortium AirTanker, with the first aircraft due to enter service in 2011.[5] All of the RAF aircraft will be fitted with two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods and 7 will be capable of being fitted with one Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU). [edit] United StatesMain articles: KC-X and Northrop Grumman KC-45 The U.S. Air Force (USAF) ran a procurement program to replace around 100 of their oldest KC-135E Stratotankers, i.e., initially excluding the more common updated KC-135R variant. EADS offered the A330 MRTT. The Boeing KC-767 was selected in 2002,[6] but the USAF cancelled the KC-767 order when the deal became embroiled in a political controversy due to the nature of the lease agreement.[7] In 2006, the USAF released a request for proposal (RFP) for a new tanker aircraft, to be selected by 2007, which was updated in January 2007, to the KC-X RFP, one of three acquisition programs that are intended to replace the entire KC-135 fleet.[8] The Airbus A330 MRTT was proposed again by EADS and Northrop Grumman as the KC-30. It again competed against the Boeing KC-767, which is a smaller aircraft (holds about 20 percent less fuel), less cargo, but is also cheaper. The Air Force announced on February 29, 2008, that the KC-30 was chosen as the KC-135 replacement, and will be designated the KC-45A.[9][10] On June 18, 2008, the United States Government Accountability Office sustained a protest by The Boeing Company on the award of the contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS.[11] The status of the KC-45A is in doubt and the Air Force may have to rebid the contract, potentially reversing their earlier decision.[12] On 10 September 2008, bidding was canceled. A new competition between the KC-45 and KC-767 (or possibly the KC-777, a Boeing 777 derivative which had been considered previously) will be opened sometime in 2009.[13] [edit] United Arab EmiratesIn 2007, the United Arab Emirates announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to purchase three A330 MRTT.[14] The order was confirmed by EADS (the parent company of Airbus) in February 2008.[15] The UAE aircraft will be equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods. [edit] Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia finalized an agreement to purchase three A330 MRTT equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods, on 3 January 2008.[16][17] In July 2009 it was released that Saudi Arabia ordered three additional A330 MRTT tankers.[18] [edit] IndiaThe Il-78 and Airbus 330 MRTT were competing for the $1 billion global tender floated in 2006 by the Indian defence ministry for six refuellers to extend the operating radius of Indian fighter jets. In May 2009, India finally chose the Airbus A330 MRTT over the Il-78.[19] [edit] SpecificationsGeneral characteristics
Performance
[edit] See alsoRelated development Comparable aircraft Related lists [edit] References
[edit] External links
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