A321 vs A330 MRTT

The A321 and the A330 MRTT are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Airbus respectively. Top speed is 871 km/h for the A321 vs 880 km/h for the A330 MRTT. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 14,800 km for the A330 MRTT. The A330 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the A321. At 233,000 kg MTOW, the A330 MRTT is 3.0x the A321's 78,000 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 66 for the A330 MRTT. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $275M for the A330 MRTT. The A321 first flew 29 years before the A330 MRTT (1987 vs 2016).

European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines.
Airbus A321 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 27 February 1987
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 2917 units
Average unit price $120 million
European aerial refueling and military transport aircraft, developed in the early 21st century, extensively used for global logistics and in-flight refueling operations.
Airbus A330 MRTT Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 30 September 2016
Year introduced 2011
Number produced 66 units
Average unit price $275 million
Wing area 122.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 34.1 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 37.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 871 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,930 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 42,600 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf â—‰
Wing area 362.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 60.3 m â—‰
Height 17.4 m â—‰
Length 58.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 880 km/h â—‰
Operational range 14,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 233,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 125,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 320 kN â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A330 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 880 km/h compared to the A321's 871 km/h, a difference of 9 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A330 MRTT has a longer range at 14,800 km compared to the A321's 5,930 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A330 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A330 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 233,000 kg compared to the A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the A321's 37.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A330 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $275 million per unit compared to the A321 at $120 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A321 entered service first in 1994, 17 years before the A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or A330 MRTT?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 66 units of the A330 MRTT.