In preparation for delivery to the Australian Air Force, the Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)–which is being offered to the U.S. Air Force as the EADS North America KC-45–has obtained government certification to operate as a military aerial refueling tanker.
As part of the certification process, one million pounds of fuel were transferred through more than 1,300 contacts with a wide range of combat aircraft, using both the advanced aerial refueling boom and hose-and-drogue systems offered on the KC-45.
The A330 MRTT is in production or flight test for four U.S. allies, with two aircraft due for delivery to its first customer, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), before the end of the year.
“Government certification of the A330 MRTT as a fully capable military tanker is important evidence that our tanker is real and ready now,” said Ralph Crosby, EADS North America chairman.
The KC-45’s advanced refueling systems have been demonstrated and qualified in a full range of operational conditions, with receivers such as F-16 and F/A-18 fighters, E-3 AWACS, and other A330 MRTTs.
The KC-45’s all-electric, fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) delivers fuel at up to 1,200 gallons per minute, meeting a key requirement for the Air Force’s new tanker.