OVERVIEW: The A.330-200 MRTT is an air-to-air refueling and transport aircraft produced by Airbus Defense and Space, based on the A.330-200 airliner.

DETAILS: Compared to a previous generation tanker, the Multi Role Tanker Transport is a real game changer. Indeed, its take-off performance is much less affected by temperature or runway size. It can be used to its full potential on almost every flight, in areas previously operated with constraints. This is achieved with increased aspect ratio and payload capacity.

In addition, its avionics and communications capabilities allow the crew to gain greater tactical situational awareness.

Furthermore, its multi-role capabilities for carrying fuel, passengers and cargo allow its operators to perform air-to-air refueling and strategic transport missions with one single platform.


NOTES: IOC:  2011 .  Users include Australia, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Under the Multinational MRTT Fleet programme, NATO has also acquired the aircraft for joint use by the air forces of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway. The Indian Air Force, with its Il-78 tankers acquired in 2003–04 facing maintenance and serviceability issues, as well as a spares shortage, would be leasing 6 A.330-200 MRTT from the French Air Force.

SOURCE: Mounicq, M. (2021, December). Le ravitaillement en vol dans l'armée de l'Air et de l'Espace. Raids Aviation, HS N°16, 66-73.; "A330 MRTT | Airbus". Accessed February 17, 2020. https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/defence/military-aircraft/a330-mrtt ; "India in advanced negotiations to lease an A330 MRTT from France". Accessed February 17, 2020. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-in-advanced-negotiations-to-lease-an-a330-mrtt-from-france