DEFENSE

New Standard Airbus Tanker Makes First Flight

by Chris Pocock
October 20, 2016, 7:38 AM

The new standard A330MRTT takes off on its maiden flight from Getafe, Spain. (Photo: Airbus D&S)

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.

AIRCRAFT

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-10-20/new-standard-airbus-tanker-makes-first-flight

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