Airbus A330 MRTT

The tanker that turned a widebody airliner into a force multiplier

Overview

Airbus France Military: KC-45A 2007–Present $300 million

The Airbus A330 MRTT transformed the proven A330 airliner into one of the most capable aerial refueling and strategic transport platforms in service today. Combining long range, high fuel capacity, and multirole flexibility, it has become a cornerstone of modern air force logistics and global power projection.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric CF6-80E1A4B, Rolls-Royce Trent 772B, Pratt & Whitney PW 4170
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 72,000 lbf · 320 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
Blended tips
Seats
280 economy · 226 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
17 ft 4 in  ·  5.28 m
Cabin height
8 ft 4 in  ·  2.54 m
Cabin length
147 ft 8 in  ·  45.00 m
Exterior length
193 ft 0 in  ·  58.82 m
Tail height
57 ft 1 in  ·  17.40 m
Fuselage diameter
18 ft 6 in  ·  5.64 m
Wing span
197 ft 9 in  ·  60.28 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
514,000 lb  ·  233,000 kg
Max landing weight
401,000 lb  ·  182,000 kg
Max payload
99,000 lb  ·  45,000 kg
Fuel capacity
36,550 gal · 138,400 L · 110,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
475 kt  ·  547 mph  ·  880 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
150 kt  ·  173 mph  ·  278 km/h
Range
8,000 nm  ·  9,210 mi  ·  14,820 km
Fuel burn
0.18 nm/gal  ·  0.09 km/L
Ceiling
42,700 ft  ·  13,000 m
Rate of climb
2,000 ft/min  ·  10 m/s
Takeoff distance
8,200 ft  ·  2,500 m
Landing distance
5,750 ft  ·  1,750 m
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A Republic of Singapore Air Force RSAF Airbus A330 MRTT.

Operational Context

Airbus A330 MRTT — the multirole tanker transport redefining air mobility

The Airbus A330 MRTT is a military derivative of the Airbus A330-200, developed to serve as both an aerial refueling tanker and a strategic airlift aircraft. Launched in the early 2000s and entering service in 2011, the MRTT was designed to provide advanced refueling capability while retaining the spacious cabin and long-range performance of its commercial counterpart.

The aircraft can carry large quantities of fuel without requiring additional tanks in the main cabin, allowing it to perform long-range refueling missions while still transporting troops, medical patients, or cargo. It is equipped with a modern fly-by-wire refueling boom system and underwing hose-and-drogue pods, enabling it to support a wide variety of receiver aircraft. This flexibility allows it to refuel fighters, transport aircraft, and even other tankers.

Inside, the A330 MRTT can be configured for troop transport, cargo operations, or medical evacuation with dedicated stretchers and life-support systems. Its widebody cabin gives it significant advantages over smaller tanker platforms in terms of payload and comfort on long missions.

The aircraft has been selected by numerous air forces around the world and has accumulated tens of thousands of operational flight hours. Its blend of endurance, fuel offload capability, and multirole versatility has established it as one of the leading tanker aircraft of the 21st century.