The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft based on the civilian A330-200. RAF A330 MRTT File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multi-role canard-delta fighter aircraft, very similar to the US-German Rockwell-MBB X-31 prototype and designed and built by a consortium of European nations formed in 1983. ... An aerospace manufacturer is a company or individual involved in the various aspects of designing, building, testing, selling, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft parts, missiles, rockets, and/or spacecraft. ... Airbus S.A.S. is the aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS N.V., a pan-European aerospace concern. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. ... The Airbus A330 is a large-capacity, wide-body, medium-to-long-range commercial passenger airliner manufactured by EADS (Airbus S.A.S.). It was developed at the same time as the four-engined A340. ... Airbus S.A.S. is the aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS N.V., a pan-European aerospace concern. ... Boom and receptacle: USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, two F-15s (twin fins) and two F-16s, on an aerial refueling training mission IAF Il-76 MD refueling two Mirage 2000 fighter jets German Luftwaffe Airbus A310 MRTT ready for refueling, shown at the Paris Air Show 2007 Aerial refueling, also... The Airbus A330 is a large-capacity, wide-body, medium-to-long-range commercial passenger airliner manufactured by EADS (Airbus S.A.S.). It was developed at the same time as the four-engined A340. ...

Design and development

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a military derivative of the Airbus A330 airliner. It is designed as a dual-role air refueling tanker and cargo transport aircraft. The cargo hold has been modified by Telair to be able to transport military pallets in addition to civilian ULD. ULD Type AKH Unit Load Devices, or ULDs, are pallets and containers used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. ...

The A330 has a large internal fuel capacity of 111,000 kg / 122 tons in the wings; fuel capacity can be further increased with underfloor tanks, which would not compromise main deck cargo capacity or seating in the strategic transport role. Standard fuel capacity allows the carriage of an additional 43,000 kg of cargo. Another major benefit of the A330 MRTT is the use of the same wing as the four engined A340-200/-300. This allows the A330 MRTT to use the two extra hardpoints of the A340 wing for the placement of refueling pods. The Airbus A340 is a long-range four-engined widebody commercial passenger airliner manufactured by Airbus S.A.S. a subsidiary of EADS. It is similar in design to the twin-engined A330. ... A hardpoint is a mount where parts (often weapons) are externally mounted to a vehicle. ...

Standard commercial A330s will be delivered to EADS Spain for fitting of refuelling equipment and military avionics. CASA Jungmann, built in 1957. ...

Orders

The A330 MRTT has been selected by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) (5 aircraft), as well as the UK under the RAF's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) project, to take the place of older tanker aircraft. In both cases the A330 MRTT competed against the Boeing 767 AAR derivative. The RAF will replace its ageing Vickers VC10 and Lockheed Tristar based tankers, while the RAAF is replacing its veteran 707 tanker/transports. Further orders were announced in 2007 from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for three and two aircraft respectively. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) will provide aerial refueling (AR) and Air Transport (AT) for the Royal Air Force using a version of the Airbus A330 MRTT. The Royal Australian Air Force announced in April 2004 that they had selected Airbus to provide tankers to a similar specification. ... The VC-10 airliner was designed and built by Vickers in the 1960s. ... The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, commonly referred to as just L-1011 (pronounced ell-ten-eleven), was the third widebody passenger jet airliner to enter operation, following the Boeing 747 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. ... The Boeing 707 is an American four-engine commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. ...

The RAF aircraft will operate solely in the probe and drogue role, while Australia's five airframes will also be equipped with a refueling boom. Australia was initially to procure four aircraft with an option to obtain a fifth, however the RAAF has since decided to go ahead with the procurement of the fifth aircraft to allow for two simultaneous deployments of two aircraft, with the fifth providing contingency cover. All of Australia's Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft will be operated by No. 33 Squadron RAAF based at RAAF Base Amberley. The Australian aircraft will be designated KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transports.^[1] Aerial refueling, also called in-flight refueling (IFR) or air-to-air refueling (AAR), is the practice of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight. ... Aerial refueling, also called in-flight refueling (IFR) or air-to-air refueling (AAR), is the practice of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight. ... A No. ... RAAF Base Amberley is a Royal Australian Air Force base that is located 8 km southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and 50 km southwest of Brisbane, Queensland and currently home to No. ...

UK Order

In January 2004, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that the A330 MRTT had been selected to provide air-refueling for the RAF for the next 30 years under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme. The UK Ministry of Defence then began exclusive negotiations with the Airtanker consortium. However, beginning in April 2004, there have been continuing rumours on the fragile state of the contract negotiations. This culminated in an ultimatum by the UK's Defence Procurement Agency, delivered to EADS, demanding a reduced price for the aircraft. January 2004 : ← - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → Irelands Roman Catholic and Protestant Boy Scouts organisations merge after nearly a century of division, in spite of efforts by the Roman Catholic bishops to block the merger. ... The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) will provide aerial refueling (AR) and Air Transport (AT) for the Royal Air Force using a version of the Airbus A330 MRTT. The Royal Australian Air Force announced in April 2004 that they had selected Airbus to provide tankers to a similar specification. ... The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. ...

With continuing doubts over the FSTA programme, Marshall Aerospace — which was responsible for the original conversion of L-1011 Tristars to tankers for the RAF — has offered to buy and convert some of the large number of retired commercial L-1011’s to tanker aircraft. This would give the RAF a much needed increase in capacity (with the upcoming retirement of the VC10 fleet) at a fraction of the cost of the £13Bn FSTA project. The Marshall companies have been internationally associated with aerospace engineering for over ninety years. ... Orbital Sciences Stargazer Lockheed L-1011 The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar was the third widebody passenger jet airliner to reach the marketplace, following the Boeing 747 jumbo jet and the Douglas DC-10. ...

As an interim service, pending delivery of the FSTA, Omega Airhas offered to make available to the RAF, a number of KDC-10 Tanker Transport aircraft. Omega Air has developed their own three point tanker version of the DC-10 (see also KC-10 Extender). The company has provided "Turn-key" aerial refueling services to the U.S. Navy for more than 5 years. The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is an American three-engine medium- to long-range widebody airliner, with two engines mounted on underwing pylons and a third engine at the base of the vertical stabilizer. ... The KC-10 Extender is an air-to-air tanker aircraft in service with the United States Air Force derived from the civilian DC-10-30 airliner. ... USN redirects here. ...

In June 2007, The UK Ministry of Defence gave the green light to a private finance initiative deal worth about £13 billion ($26 billion) to equip the UK Royal Air Force with the 14 A330 MRTT tankers, which will begin to replace the Royal Air Force's existing L-1011 and VC10 tankers from 2011 - two years later than originally planned.

U.S. Air Force

The Airbus A330 MRTT has been marketed to the USAF by EADS and Northrop Grumman as the KC-30. It has primarily competed with the KC-767, which is a smaller aircraft (holds about 20 percent less fuel), less cargo, but is also cheaper (about 120 million vs 160 million 2005 US dollars). The Boeing KC-767 is a next generation military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft developed primarily for the USAF from the Boeing 767-200. ...

KC-135E Replacement

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) ran a procurement program to replace around 100 of their oldest KC-135E Stratotankers. Most USAF KC-135s are of the updated KC-135R Stratotanker variant. “The U.S. Air Force” redirects here. ... The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft. ... The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft. ...

Northrop Grumman and EADS offered the A330 MRTT. The KC-767 was selected in 2001,^[2] but the USAF cancelled the KC-767 order when the deal became embroiled in a political controversy due to the nature of lease agreement. Rather than buying the tankers outright, the Air Force intended to lease the aircraft. The cost of leasing was considered by some as being more costly than an outright purchase, and allegations of corruption resulted in the added to the controversy. |last=Cahlink |first=George |url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1004/100104g1.htm |date=2004-10-01 |accessdate=2006-12-21 |publisher=http://www.govexec.com |title= Ex-Pentagon procurement executive gets jail time}}</ref> The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an aerospace and defense conglomerate that is the result of a 1994 merger between Northrop and Grumman. ... The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (EADS) is a large European aerospace corporation, formed by the merger on July 10, 2000 of Aérospatiale-Matra of France, Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) of Spain, and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (DASA) of Germany. ... The Boeing KC-767 is a next generation military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft developed primarily for the USAF from the Boeing 767-200. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

KC-X

During the 2004 Farnborough Air Show, US Air Force Secretary James Roche stated that a further bid from EADS would be "welcome." There is speculation whether this is a serious invitation, or an attempt to influence any future negotiations with Boeing. In early 2006 the United States Congress passed a defense bill which reversed an earlier amendment barring Airbus from bidding for the contract.^[3] Farnborough 2006 Farnborough 2006 The Red Arrows in formation at Farnborough The Airbus A380, at Farnborough The Farnborough International Airshow is a seven-day international trade fair for the aerospace business which is held biannually in England. ... The Secretary of the Air Force is the civilian head of the United States Department of the Air Force, a component organization of the Department of Defense. ... James G. Roche Dr. James G. Roche is the 20th Secretary of the Air Force. ... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political...

In 2006, the USAF released a request for proposal (RFP) for a new tanker aircraft, to be selected by 2007, which was updated in January 2007, to the KC-X RFP, one of three acquisition programs that are intended to replace the entire KC-135 fleet.^[4] EADS is again in a partnership with Northrop Grumman marketing the aircraft as the KC-30 to the USAF. Should Northrop Grumman/EADS win the U.S. Air Force contract, it would be required to invest approximately US$600 million in a new assembly plant in the United States, which is currently planned for Mobile, Alabama. Again, Boeing is submitting the KC-767. A Request for Proposal (referred to as RFP) is an invitation for suppliers, through a bidding process, to submit a proposal on a specific product or service. ... KC-X is the internal name for the United States Air Forces next generation aerial refueling tanker aircraft. ... The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an aerospace and defense conglomerate that is the result of a 1994 merger between Northrop and Grumman. ... The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. ... It has been suggested that List of people from Mobile, Alabama be merged into this article or section. ...

On January 8, 2007, the Wall Street Journal said "U.S. defense contractor Northrop Grumman is threatening to withdraw its bid to supply the U.S. Air Force with a new generation of mid-air refueling tanker jets." ^[5] Northrop spokesman Randy Belote, wanted it (the earlier RFP) to reflect a need for the KC-30's additional cargo and fuel capacity, and if it is not changed, Belote said, "then we feel we would not be competitive and we would not bid."^[6] In response, another article notes, "The Air Force leaders are furious, because they feel they have bent over backwards to accommodate Northrop."^[7] January 8 is the 8th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Wall Street Journal is an influential international daily newspaper published in New York City, New York with an average daily circulation of 1,800,607 (2002). ...

The USAF request for proposals for the competition, issued January 30, 2007, called for 179 (175+4) tankers, worth an estimated US$40 billion.^[8][6] On February 9, 2007, Northrop Grumman issued a press release announcing it would respond to the RFP. The corporate vice president of Northrop Grumman stated, "We appreciate the Air Force acquisition authority's process transparency and invitation for industry dialogue which has resulted in this very comprehensive, capabilities-based final request for proposal." On April 10, 2007, Northrop Grumman submitted its KC-30 Tanker proposal to U.S. Air Force.^[9] is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

United Arab Emirates

In early 2007, the United Arab Emirates announced it had signed a MOU with Airbus for three A330 tankers.^[10] A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a legal document describing a bilateral agreement between parties. ...

Saudi Arabia

On February 12, 2007, Saudi Arabia reached an agreement with the French Government to purchase two A330 MRTT tankers. These tankers will be converted at EADS CASA facilities in Getafe (Madrid, Spain) and are to be delivered starting late 2009.[1] February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 AAR operator
• Length: 59.69 m (195 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 60.3 m (197 ft 10 in)
• Height: 17.89 m (58 ft 8 in)
• Wing area: 361.6 m² (3892 ft²)
• Empty weight: 120,500 kg (265,657 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 230,000 kg (507,063 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Trent 700 or General Electric CF6-80 turbofans, 316 kN (71,000 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 880 km/h (475 knots, 547 mph)
• Cruise speed: 860 km/h (464 knots, 534 mph)
• Range: 12,500 km (6,750 nm, 7,770 mi)
• Service ceiling: 12,500 m (41,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: m/s (ft/min)

For an explanation of the units and abbreviations in this list, please see Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/Units key. The distance AB is the wing span of this Aer Lingus Airbus A320. ... In aviation, the Maximum Take-Off Weight (or MTOW) is the maximum weight with which an aircraft is allowed to try to achieve flight. ... Rolls-Royce plc is a British aircraft engine maker; the second-largest in the world, behind General Electric Aviation. ... Rolls-Royce Trent 900 on A380 prototype Rolls Royce Trent is a family of high bypass turbofan engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce. ... CF6 turbofan at the KLM engine shop The General Electric TF39 and CF6 family of high-bypass turbofan engines are the most popular large aircraft turbines in the world, powering civil and military widebodies from a variety of manufacturers. ... Schematic diagram of high-bypass turbofan engine CFM56-3 turbofan, lower half, side view. ... VNO of an aircraft is the V speed which refers to the velocity of normal operation. ... VC may stand for: vehicular cycling Venture capital Vice-county Victoria Cross Viet Cong Vinyl chloride Virginia Central Railway (AAR reporting mark VC) virtual circuit Visual C++ Volkov Commander (file manager) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: ISO country code This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages... The maximal total range is the distance an aircraft can fly between takeoff and landing, as limited by fuel capacity in powered aircraft, or cross-country speed and environmental conditions in unpowered aircraft. ... In aeronautics, the service ceiling is the maximum density altitude where the best rate of climb airspeed will produce a 100 feet per minute climb(twin engine) and 50 feet(single engine) at maximum weight while in a clean configuration with maximum continuous power. ... This page is a candidate to be moved to Wiktionary. ...

Notes

Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Official KC-30 Tanker website
• Airtanker Consortium
• Rivals eye Boeing's US airforce deal, by Jorn Madslien, BBC News

Related content

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Airbus A330

Related development

• Airbus A330
• Airbus A310 MRTT

Comparable aircraft

• KC-135 Stratotanker
• Boeing KC-767

Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... The Airbus A330 is a large-capacity, wide-body, medium-to-long-range commercial passenger airliner manufactured by EADS (Airbus S.A.S.). It was developed at the same time as the four-engined A340. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft. ... The Boeing KC-767 Global Tanker Transport Aircraft (GTTA) is an early 21st century military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft developed from the Boeing 767-200. ...

Related lists

• List of tanker aircraft

See also

• Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft
• KC-X