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Airbus A330 MRTT Refueling Tanker

Airbus A330 MRTT Refueling Tanker

Manufacturer: Airbus Defence and Space
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed Mach 0.86
Range Up to 16,100 km / 8,700 nm
Payload Capacity Up to 45,000 kg
Crew 2 flight crew, plus mission crew as required

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Airbus A330 MRTT
Manufacturer	Airbus Defence and Space
Country of Origin	Multinational European program
Introduction / In Service Since	2011
Status	In service
Category	Multi-role tanker transport
Crew	2 flight crew, mission crew as required
Unit Cost	Not publicly fixed

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	58.80 m
Wingspan	60.30 m
Height	17.40 m
Wing Area	362 m²
Empty Weight	Not publicly specified
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	233,000 kg

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 0.86
Range	Up to 16,100 km / 8,700 nm
Combat Radius	Not normally specified for tanker missions
Service Ceiling	12,600 m / 41,500 ft maximum cruise altitude
Rate of Climb	Not publicly specified

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	General Electric CF6-80E1A3 or Rolls-Royce Trent 772B
Thrust (per engine)	72,000 lbf / 320 kN, GE; 71,000 lbf / 316 kN, Rolls-Royce
Total Thrust	Up to 144,000 lbf / 640 kN

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	Up to 45 tonnes
Weapons Bay	None
Compatible Weapons	None, dedicated tanker/transport aircraft
Hardpoints	None for conventional weapons

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Military navigation and surveillance systems; no dedicated fighter-style AESA radar
Navigation	Integrated military navigation systems
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Defensive aids and military communications vary by operator
Stealth Features	None

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	Multiple air forces and NATO MMF
Conflict Usage	Support, transport, refueling and evacuation missions
Notable Missions	Strategic deployments, aerial refueling, MEDEVAC and humanitarian evacuation

8. Additional Information

Variants	A330 MRTT, A330 MRTT+
Successor / Future Replacement	No direct replacement announced
Notable Features	Air-to-air refueling, strategic airlift, MEDEVAC
Estimated Operational Life	Long-term service based on A330 airliner platform

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

2.8

Stealth Capability 1 / 10
Payload Capacity 4 / 10
Range & Endurance 4 / 10
Electronic Warfare 2 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 3 / 10

PROS

Large 111-tonne internal fuel capacity
Long-range strategic transport capability
Supports multiple aerial refueling methods
Up to 45 tonnes of payload
Proven multinational operational use

CONS

Large aircraft requires suitable airfields
High acquisition and operating costs
Not designed for contested combat zones
No conventional weapons armament
Limited stealth characteristics

Airbus A330 MRTT: Strategic Air Refueling Tanker

The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a strategic tanker and transport aircraft developed from the commercial A330-200 widebody. It is designed to support air forces with air-to-air refueling, personnel and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and long-range deployment missions. The aircraft can carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel, while retaining space for as many as 300 passengers or up to 45 tonnes of combined payload.

Manufacturer

The A330 MRTT is manufactured and converted by Airbus Defence and Space, with military conversion work centered at Airbus facilities in Getafe, Spain. The aircraft entered operational service with Australia in 2011 and is now operated or ordered by numerous air forces and multinational fleets.

Its aerial refueling equipment can support both boom and hose-and-drogue operations, depending on configuration. The aircraft also supports dedicated medical evacuation configurations and strategic airlift missions.

Speed and Range

The A330 MRTT has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.86, with a typical cruise speed around Mach 0.82. Airbus lists a maximum range of approximately 16,100 km, or 8,700 nautical miles, depending on payload and mission configuration. Its maximum takeoff weight is 233 tonnes, while maximum payload is 45 tonnes.

Cost/Price

Airbus does not publish a standard retail unit price for the A330 MRTT. Procurement costs vary according to aircraft configuration, conversion work, training, spares, support and infrastructure. For example, Canada’s 2023 contract for four new aircraft and five converted A330s was valued at about CAD 3 billion, excluding taxes, but that figure included the broader program package.

Reviews

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