Mon, Mar 22, 2010
Allows Transition From Passenger Jet To Military Multi-Role
Tanker
Airbus Military has obtained a
civil STC from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the
A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The STC covers
military equipment and modifications to the basic passenger
A330-200 jetliner, which was certified in 1998 for its entry into
commercial service. This is the first civil certification ever
issued by EASA for a European-developed tanker/transport
aircraft.
Modifications incorporated in the A330 MRTT include all
equipment to provide the aerial refueling capability for a full
range of receiver aircraft - from fighters to large transports.
This includes the totally new fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom
System (ARBS) developed by Airbus Military, the under-wing hose and
drogue refueling pods, the refueling operators' console in the
cockpit area, as well as other mission-specific military avionics
and systems. The flight control laws of the aircraft also were
modified and adapted to the needs of performing refueling
operations.
The certification follows a period of flight evaluations during
which more than 170 test flights were performed. Of these, over 60
were for tests required for the STC, while the others were for the
design validation and certification of military aspects. During the
trials, some 320 wet and dry contacts were performed, involving
fighter aircraft such as the F-16 and F-18, as well as the E3
AWACS. With these contacts, more than 300,000 pounds of fuel
were transferred to the receiver aircraft. In addition, some 190
contacts were made with the A330 MRTT acting as a receiver
aircraft. All systems operated as expected, and the aircraft's
aerodynamic performance also was as predicted.
Military certification of the A330 MRTT is expected this summer,
which will be followed by the startup of deliveries to
international customers. The first two A330 MRTT aircraft
will be received by the Royal Australian Air Force in 2010. To
date, a total of 28 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by four customers:
Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United
Kingdom.
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