A330 MRTT Refuelling F-18

Mission enabler

A key asset for supporting all types of Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) operations and long range deployments.

More fuel offload

Maximum fuel Offload to a wide range of receivers.  Up to 70  (154, 000 lbs) tonnes of fuel during a 1 hour loitering mission over a distance of 1,250 nm (add km) from take-off.

More payload

Up to 45 tonnes (99,000 lbs) of payload, of which 37 tonnes (82,000 lbs) of cargo.

More transport capacity

Up to 300 Pax with airline comfort.

More range

Up to 8,700nm (16,000km) of range for global coverage.
 

A330 MRTT Overview

The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is the new generation strategic tanker aircraft of choice for the world's leading air forces. The A330 MRTT is the most capable and combat-proven tanker available today, providing unmatched flexibility in air-to-air refuelling (AAR), VIP, personnel and cargo transport, and aeromedical evacuation (MedEvac) missions. 

Based on the highly successful A330 widebody airliner, the A330 MRTT Family includes the A330 MRTT+ based on the A330neo, the newest version of the A330. 

New generation and combat proven tanker

The A330 MRTT is the perfect replacement for older strategic tankers with increased range, payload and fuel offload capabilities for unmatched mission flexibility and versatility.

The tankers of choice: Chosen by 18 nations including Australia, Canada, France, NATO - Multinational MRTT Fleet (Germany, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden), South Korea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Since its entry into service several customers have repeated orders among them Australia, France, NATO - Multinational MRTT Fleet, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

A330 MRTT +

A330 MRTT+

The natural evolution of the MRTT

The A330 MRTT+ represents the next generation of the world's most capable tanker transport aircraft. By integrating the advanced technology of the A330-800 —the smaller variant of the A330neo— this evolution delivers a significant leap in operational efficiency.
 

  • Enhanced aerodynamics and propulsion
    The A330 MRTT+ introduces the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines alongside optimised wing aerodynamics, a longer wingspan, and new blended wingtip devices. These innovations provide several key benefits compared to previous models:

                - Up to 8% lower fuel burn.

                - Lower CO2 and NOx emissions.

                - Reduced noise levels.

  • Improved cabin experience

    The A330 MRTT+ benefits from the upgraded A330neo cabin design. This provides operators with increased overhead stowage and a more comfortable, quiet environment.

  • New weight variant

    The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of the A330 MRTT+ has increased to 242 tonnes. This enhancement provides operators with longer range and greater mission flexibility.

Multi role capability

The best all-in-one solution with unmatched flexibility and versatility to support a wide range of missions:

A330MRTT RAAF BOOM

Air to Air Refuelling

Equipped with state-of-the-art operational and proven enhanced vision system, AAR refuelling boom and AAR under-wing pod systems:

  • AAR boom fuel flow rate up to a maximum of 3,600 kg/min – 1,200 US gal/min 
  • Under wing PODS fuel offload rate 1,300 kg/min – 420 US gal/min-
A330 MRTT Airbus cabin at Paris Airshow 2019

Air transport of personnel

The ability to transport large numbers of troops and cargo with the speed, range and comfort of an airliner. Versatile interior configurations ranging from seating up to 300 passengers to complex VIP customisations.

Cargo transportation A330 MRTT

Cargo transport

Cargo is conveniently stored in the lower hold in a variety of handling options, including military NATO pallets, civilian unit load devices and pallets.

The A330 MRTT has two lower deck cargo compartments (forward and aft) and a rear bulk area.

A330 MRTT MMF Medevac configuration

Aeromedical evacuation

During relief operations, medical care can be provided simultaneously with the transport of troops and cargo. Flexible MedEvac cabin arrangements with layouts for up to 40 stretchers, 20 medical staff seats and 100 passengers.

A330 MRTT Refuelling Eurofighters

A330 MRTT Refuelling Eurofighters

Combat proven

The tanker of choice with over:

  • More than 340.000 flight hours 
  • More than 310.000 AAR contacts

Combat proven since 2014 and fully interoperable with a wide range of receivers including variants:

  • Boom : E3, F-16, F-15, C-17, F-35A, E-7A, A-10C, F-22, P-8A, B1-B, B-2A, B-52H.
  • Hose and drogue: F-18, Tornado, Rafale, M2000, F-35B, Eurofighter Typhoon, AV-8B, JAS 39, etc.
A330 MRTT clears F-15 fighters for automatic refuelling

Pioneering spirit, leadership in innovation and new developments

Automatic AAR (A3R)

The first tanker in the world with boom A3R capability. Certified and proven in service since 2022. A3R reduces workload, improves safety and optimises AAR operations.


Enhanced connectivity and more

Leveraging on Airbus experience and capabilities in multi-domain operations, the A330 MRTT offers scalable solutions to turn it into a battlefield communications, surveillance, C2 and intelligence node, while enhancing the aircraft’s survivability for any mission. 

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  • 31. A330MRTT Formation

    - Total Orders: 85
    - Total Deliveries: 66
    - Total in Operation: 66

Frequently asked questions

About A330 MRTT

What’s the meaning of the A330 MRTT acronym?

The A330 MRTT acronym means Multi Role Tanker Transport.

It is a 'multi-role tanker transport' aircraft because its Airbus A330 wide-body design allows it to simultaneously perform multiple functions, including air-to-air refuelling, troop transport, cargo delivery, and medical evacuation, often without needing to be reconfigured.

Which countries operate the Airbus A330 MRTT?

The A330 MRTT is operated by 18 countries including Australia, Canada, France, NATO - Multinational MRTT Fleet (Germany, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic, Sweden and Denmark), South Korea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. It has a market share of over 90% (outside the US). 

How does the military A330 MRTT differ from the commercial A330 airliner?

Airbus A330 MRTT differs from the commercial A330 airliner by featuring structural reinforcements for air-to-air refueling, military-grade avionics, and a 111-tonne fuel capacity without extra tanks. It is converted from the passenger model to include pods, a boom system, and specialised military communication, allowing for tanker, transport, and MEDEVAC roles. 

What is the difference between the A330 MRTT and the A330 MRTT+ ?

The A330 MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips. These deliver up to 8% lower fuel burn and reduced noise. An increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes (up from 233 tonnes) further extends range, increases fuel offload capacity, and enhances operational flexibility. 

What is the fuel capacity of the A330 MRTT?

The Airbus A330 MRTT´s fuel capacity is 111 tonnes (or about 245,000 lbs). This large capacity allows it to perform aerial refuelling missions without needing additional fuel tanks. 

What aircraft can the A330 MRTT refuel?

The Airbus A330 MRTT is a highly versatile tanker capable of refueling a wide range of fighters, transport aircraft, and strategic assets using both boom and hose-and-drogue systems. It can refuel any NATO or allied receivers, from Eurofighters and Tornados to F/A18s, through its underwing pods, or F16s, F35As or other A330 MRTTs through its boom system. 

What types of refueling systems does the A330 MRTT use?

The Airbus A330 MRTT uses two types of refuelling systems: Air-to-Air refuelling boom and Air-to-Air under-wing pod systems.

What is Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R)?

The Automatic Air-To-Air Refuelling (A3R) system employs advanced automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track, and engage receiver aircraft, without the need for manual input. By reducing operator workload and enhancing precision, A3R improves mission safety, and delivers greater operational flexibility.

What is the range and autonomy of the A330 MRTT?

18 hours of autonomy and dual capability, up to 8,700nm (16,000km) of range for global coverage.

Where is the Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft manufactured?

The Airbus MRTT is manufactured in two phases: the initial assembly of the A330-200 airframe takes place in Toulouse, France, and the specialised military conversion is completed at the Airbus facility in Getafe, Spain.

The A330 MRTT around the world

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