Madrid-Getafe, Spain, 3 Octobrer 2016 — Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed the maiden flight of the first new standard A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport. This model incorporates a number of enhancements introduced on the basic A330 as well as upgraded military systems as part of Airbus and Airbus Defence and Space’s continuous product improvement programme.
The three-hour flight of EC-333 took place on 30 September and the crew reported that the aircraft performed in line with expectations. The new standard A330 MRTT features structural modifications, aerodynamic improvements giving a fuel-burn reduction of up to 1%, upgraded avionics computers and enhanced military systems. First delivery is due in 2018. A total of 51 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by 10 nations. A total of 28 has been delivered to date.
Australia, Great-Britain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are known to operate daily flights of the A330 MRTT in support of military operations in the Middle-East with a very high reliability level.<>
