Airbus Defence & Space reported the first flight from Getafe, Spain, of the “new standard” A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). This offers various upgrades that are found on all new-production A330-200 airliners. In addition, the company is making some specific tanker/defense mission improvements. But the first delivery is still more than a year away.
The increased mtow (242 metric tons/533,500pounds) could increase the tanker’s payload/range by 20percent, according to a media briefing by A330MRTT marketing head Jeronimo Amador last June. There are also drag-reducing improvements to the slats and flaps and “Power-8” computers driving new avionics and displays. Airbus D&S is taking advantage of the latter to develop a Tanker Integrated Mission System (TIMS) that will offer HD touchscreens, improvements to encryption and link 16 and centralized mission data recording. Mission planning and debriefing, and monitoring from the ground, will be improved, and in-flight replanning will be made possible. Aircrews will also have the electronic flight bags (EFBs) that have become popular with airline pilots.

Amador said that Airbus D&S is investing €150 million annually on the evolution of the A330MRTT.  The company is analyzing various options for adding COMINT and ELINT sensors, he added, and AIN has learned of preliminary discussions between the company and a provider of imaging sensors. “In a networked environment, the A330MRTT could gather intelligence data, process it onboard and transmit it to other aircraft or ground forces,” noted Rodrigo Caminero, another official, in the company journal last July. As for self-protection, the directional infrared countermeaasures system is already integrated, but Amador said that the company is investigating other optionsfor some potential customers who might not be cleared to acquire that system.

A total of 51 A330MRTTs have now been ordered by seven nations, plus the European Defence Agency (EDA). Qatar has been negotiating for two, but no final agreement has been announced. India also selected the A330MRTT, but protracted talks to conclude a contract have stalled. Airbus D&S lists Germany, Spain, Turkey and the U.S. as target markets.