A-330 MRTT

The Airbus A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is an exceptional aircraft combining air-to-air refuelling capabilities with the ability to transport 45 tons of cargo, carry 300 passengers, or be configured as a medical facility for up to 130 patients. 

This next-generation tanker aircraft is based on the popular civilian Airbus A330-200 model. One of its greatest benefits is groundbreaking fuel tank capacity. While the original version of the older and famous Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker could carry 91,000 kg of fuel, the Airbus A-330 MRTT can transport up to 111,000 kg. Moreover, it stores fuel in its wings which allows the fuselage to be used for carrying additional cargo or passengers.

Another advantage is that it has the same wing type as the four-engine A340 while only being a twin-engine aircraft. Thanks to this, two additional attachment points on the wings can be used for the installation of supplementary refuelling pods. Unlike many of its competitors, the A-330 MRTT features both boom and hose-and-drogue refuelling systems, enabling it to refuel a wide range of aircraft types while achieving a 97% success rate of air-to-are refuelling missions. Engines are available in two variants—either the Rolls-Royce Trent 700 or the General Electric CF6-80E1, each providing thrust up to 320 kN.

As of July 2024, 78 A-330 MRTTs have been ordered, and 60 have been manufactured. Since its first flight in 2007, these aircraft have accumulated over 275,000 flight hours and have been used by 15 countries worldwide—including Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, France, and other NATO countries. The Czech Republic can utilize this aircraft for up to 100 hours per year as part of the Multinational MRTT Fleet program (MMF).

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