Airbus A330 MRTT

The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a dual-role aerial refueling and transport aircraft derived from the A330-200 airliner. Standard airframes are manufactured in Toulouse, France, and transferred to Getafe, Spain, for conversion of military systems. The aircraft received certification in October 2010. As of 28 February 2026, 85 aircraft have been ordered and 66 have been delivered.

Design

The A330 MRTT has a maximum fuel capacity of 111,000 kg using internal wing tanks, leaving space for 45,000 kg of additional cargo. The wing shares structural commonality with the four-engine A340, featuring reinforced mounting points for refueling pods. Refueling systems include the Airbus Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), Cobham 905E under-wing pods, and the Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU). For self-refueling, the aircraft can be fitted with a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI). Boom operators utilize a 3D video console with an enhanced vision system. The cabin supports configurations for up to 380 passengers, 130 medical stretchers, or eight military pallets on the cargo deck. Defensive systems include the J-Music Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system.

Operational History

Operational customers include Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Canada. A Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) is operated by NATO for a consortium of European nations. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was the launch customer, designating the aircraft the KC-30A. RAAF aircraft deployed to the United Arab Emirates in 2014 to support coalition operations in Iraq, conducting its first combat refueling missions in October 2014. The United Kingdom operates 14 Voyagers through the AirTanker consortium; these aircraft lack the ARBS boom and utilize probe-and-drogue systems exclusively. South Korean KC-330 aircraft have performed humanitarian and repatriation missions, including the transport of South Korean residents from Iraq and relief supplies to Turkey following the 2023 earthquake. The MMF reached Initial Operational Capability in March 2023.

Variants

• KC-30A: Royal Australian Air Force designation for aircraft equipped with both the Aerial Refuelling Boom System and two under-wing refueling pods.
• Voyager KC.Mk 2: Royal Air Force version fitted with two under-wing pods for probe-and-drogue refueling.
• Voyager KC.Mk 3: Royal Air Force version equipped with two under-wing pods and a central Fuselage Refuelling Unit.
• CC-330 Husky: Royal Canadian Air Force designation for aircraft configured for refueling, cargo, and VIP transport missions.
• A330 MRTT+: A variant based on the A330-800 platform utilizing Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines for increased fuel efficiency.