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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 8,700 nmi / 16,000 km, family figure
Payload Capacity Up to 45 tonnes
Crew Typically 2 flight crew plus mission crew

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Airbus A330 MRTT+
Manufacturer	Airbus Defence and Space
Country of Origin	France / Spain
Introduction / In Service Since	MRTT+ customer introduction planned from 2029
Status	In development / production
Category	Strategic tanker and military transport
Crew	2 flight crew plus mission crew
Unit Cost	Not officially published; approximately $275M to $300M estimated for MRTT family

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	58.8 m
Wingspan	Approximately 64 m class, A330neo based
Height	17.4 m
Wing Area	Approximately 362 m² class
Empty Weight	Configuration dependent
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	242 tonnes

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 0.86
Range	Up to 8,700 nmi / 16,000 km, MRTT family figure
Combat Radius	Not officially specified
Service Ceiling	Approximately 41,500 ft class
Rate of Climb	Not publicly specified

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	2 × Rolls-Royce Trent 7000
Thrust (per engine)	Approximately 72,000 lbf class
Total Thrust	Approximately 144,000 lbf class

5. Payload & Armament

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

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Military mission configuration dependent
Navigation	Military-grade navigation suite
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Defensive self-protection systems, configuration dependent
Stealth Features	None

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	MRTT+ launch customers include Thailand; broader MRTT family operates with multiple nations
Conflict Usage	No confirmed MRTT+ combat deployment
Notable Missions	Strategic airlift, aerial refueling, humanitarian assistance and medical evacuation

8. Additional Information

Variants	A330 MRTT, A330 MRTT+
Successor / Future Replacement	No announced direct replacement
Notable Features	111-tonne fuel capacity, boom, hose-and-drogue systems, A330neo technology
Estimated Operational Life	Not officially specified

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

111-tonne internal fuel capacity
Boom and hose-and-drogue refueling capability
Up to 45-tonne payload capacity
Long-range strategic transport capability
Improved efficiency from Trent 7000 engines

CONS

Large aircraft requires substantial airbase infrastructure
High acquisition and operating costs
Not designed for contested-airspace operations
Limited maneuverability compared with tactical aircraft
Detailed MRTT+ performance remains configuration dependent

Airbus A330 MRTT+: Next-Generation Tanker

The Airbus A330 MRTT+ is a next-generation strategic tanker and military transport aircraft designed to extend the reach of combat aircraft while also performing personnel transport, cargo, and medical evacuation missions. It builds on the operational A330 MRTT by adopting technologies from the A330-800neo, including improved aerodynamics, new wingtip devices and Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. Airbus says these changes can reduce fuel consumption by up to 8 percent while increasing operational flexibility.

The aircraft retains the MRTT family capability to refuel receivers through an air-to-air refueling boom and underwing hose-and-drogue pods. It can also carry up to 300 passengers and up to 45 tonnes of combined payload, depending on configuration. Its 111-tonne fuel capacity allows it to operate as a long-range tanker without external fuel tanks.

Manufacturer

The A330 MRTT+ is developed by Airbus Defence and Space. A330 airframes are assembled in Toulouse, France, while military conversion work for the MRTT family is conducted at Airbus facilities in Getafe, Spain. The MRTT+ retains about 95 percent airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT, supporting common training and logistics.

Speed and Range

The A330 MRTT family has a maximum cruise speed of approximately Mach 0.86. Airbus lists up to 8,700 nautical miles, or about 16,000 km, of range for the MRTT family, although actual MRTT+ range depends on payload, fuel, mission profile and configuration. The platform can remain airborne for extended missions, supporting global air operations and long-distance deployments.

Cost / Price

Airbus does not publish a standard unit price for the A330 MRTT+. Procurement costs vary according to aircraft configuration, support, training, infrastructure and mission equipment. Public estimates for A330 MRTT aircraft are commonly around $275 million to $300 million per aircraft, but these figures should not be treated as an official MRTT+ list price.

Reviews

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