Role Multi-role tanker/transport
Manufacturer Airbus Defence and Space
First flight 15 June 2007
Introduction 1 June 2011
Status In service
Primary users Royal Air Force
French Air and Space ForceRoyal Netherlands Air Force
Produced 2007–present
Number built 56 as of 31 December 2022
Developed from Airbus A330
Variants Airbus CC-330 Husky
EADS/Northrop Grumman KC-45
The Airbus A330 MRTT is a military derivative of the 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:[citation needed] Refuelling other aircraft Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) for receptacle-equipped receiver aircraft. Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods for probe-equipped receiver aircraft. Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) for probe-equipped receiver aircraft Being refuelled Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) for self in-flight refuelling
The A330 MRTT has a maximum fuel capacity of 111,000 kg (245,000 lb) without the use of additional fuel tanks, leaving space for 45,000 kg (99,000 lb) of additional cargo. The A330 MRTT's wing has common structure with the four-engine A340-200/-300 with reinforced mounting locations and provision for fuel piping for the A340's outboard engines. The A330 MRTT's wing therefore requires little modification to use these hardpoints for the wing refuelling podsCeiling
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The A330 MRTT has been ordered by Australia, France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, and by NATO in a multi-nation deal. Australia was the launch customer for the A330 MRTT.
The boom operators sit at a video console using the Boom Enhanced Vision System.
Designated as KC-30A, the RAAF A330 MRTTs are equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS)[10] and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods.
