The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed an order with Airbus for the acquisition of three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The delivery of all three MRTTs will take place through 2025.
On Friday (November 12, 2021), Airbus announced that the Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed an agreement for the acquisition of three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT). Under the agreement, the first aircraft in transport configuration will be handed over in the coming days, with MRTT conversion to be completed by 2024. The first fully-converted aircraft will be delivered in 2023, and the third and final aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2025. The contract also covers associated support such as spares, GSE, training and in-service support. The aircraft, which were acquired from Iberia, will be converted into military tankers at Airbus’ Spanish Headquarters in Getafe, Spain, and will be equipped with a state-of-the-art hose & drogue refueling system and a specific MEDEVAC kit. The A330 MRTT fleet will be operated by the Spanish Air Force 45 Wing, based in Torrejón Air Base in Madrid.
In Friday’s announcement, Airbus’ Executive Vice President – Military Aircraft, Jean-Brice Dumont, said,
“With the addition of A330 MRTT to its fleet, the Spanish Air Force acquires a key and proven new capability, that will enhance and support overseas operations, as well as medevac missions, on which the aircraft played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis worldwide.”
The Airbus A330 MRTT is the only next generation strategic taker and transport flying today. Derived from an Airbus A330-200 airliner, the aircraft offers a large basic fuel capacity of 111 tons (245,000 lbs.) without the need for additional fuel tanks, making the aircraft ideal for air-to-air refueling. The A330 MRTT can also be used as a dedicated transport aircraft, with the ability to carry up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tons (99,000 lb.). The aircraft can also be easily converted to accommodate light and intensive care stations for MEDEVAC missions. The A330 MRTT has flown over 250,000 flight hours, with 51 aircraft delivered to 13 customers.
Source: Airbus
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