(16 Nov 2021)
The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed a
formal order for the acquisition of three Airbus A330MRTT
(Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft.
Under the agreement, the handover of the first
aircraft in transport configuration is expected within days with its conversion to MRTT
scheduled for 2024.
The handover of
the first fully converted aircraft is scheduled in 2023 and the
third and final unit in 2025.
The contract covers associated support such as
spares, ground support equipment, training and in-service support
until the end of the contract.
Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire) Airbus A330MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport)
The aircraft, acquired from Iberia, will be
converted into military tanker transport at Airbus’ Spanish
headquarters in Getafe, Spain. It will be equipped with a
state-of-the-art hose & drogue refuelling system and a specific
Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit.
The A330 MRTT fleet will be
operated by the Spanish Air Force 45 Wing, based in Torrejón Air
Base (Madrid).
“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
COVID19 pandemic crisis worldwide,” said Jean-Brice Dumont,
Executive Vice President Military Aircraft at Airbus.
The large 111 tonnes / 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of
the successful A330-200 airliner, from which the A330MRTT is derived,
enables the aircraft to excel in air-to-air refuelling missions
without the need for additional fuel tanks.
Thanks to its wide-body fuselage, the A330MRTT
can also be used as a dedicated transport aircraft able to carry
up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb.
It
can also easily be converted to accommodate light and intensive
care stations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).
With more than 250,000 flight hours achieved, the
A330 MRTT counts 51 deliveries to 13 customers.
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