SMOC
20th Dec 2004, 21:57
DECEMBER_ 20,_ 2004
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) today signed a contract with EADS’ Military Transport Aircraft Division for five Airbus A330-200 multi-role tanker transports (MRTTs), becoming the first customer for the aircraft.
Qantas has also been chosen by the ADF to provide logistic support for the aircraft, including training and heavy maintenance, over 20 years. Qantas Airways is already a major Airbus A330 operator.
Each Airbus A330 MRTT will be able to deliver 65 tonnes of fuel in its air-to-air refuelling role, at a distance of 1,000 miles from base, following up to two hours on station. Fuel can be offloaded either through wing-mounted pods and hose-and-drogues, or via an advanced refuelling boom extending from the lower fuselage.
All of the fuel, including that consumed by the A330 MRTT itself, is carried entirely within existing tanks in the wing and tail. This leaves the whole cabin free for some 272 seats in the A330 MRTT’s troop-transport role, and its entire cargo hold free to carry military equipment on pallets or in containers.
Deliveries of the aircraft, which are based on the popular Airbus A330-200 airliner, are due to begin in 2008. Conversion of the first Airbus A330-200 airliner into an MRTT will be carried out by EADS, with Qantas converting the remaining four in Australia - with the involvement of other industrial partners that include Australian Aerospace, ADI and GKN.
Each of the A330 MRTTs will be powered by General Electric CF6-80E1 engines.
The A330-200 is the second MRTT aircraft based on an Airbus airliner – A310 MRTTs are already being produced for the Canadian and German air forces.
Airbus’ A330/A340 family are the most popular airliners in the 250-375 seat class, having won more than 850 orders from over 60 customers. They are in widespread service throughout the world, as well as with several airlines in the Pacific.
Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems.
http://www.airbus.com/dynamic/media/press_releases.asp#1645
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) today signed a contract with EADS’ Military Transport Aircraft Division for five Airbus A330-200 multi-role tanker transports (MRTTs), becoming the first customer for the aircraft.
Qantas has also been chosen by the ADF to provide logistic support for the aircraft, including training and heavy maintenance, over 20 years. Qantas Airways is already a major Airbus A330 operator.
Each Airbus A330 MRTT will be able to deliver 65 tonnes of fuel in its air-to-air refuelling role, at a distance of 1,000 miles from base, following up to two hours on station. Fuel can be offloaded either through wing-mounted pods and hose-and-drogues, or via an advanced refuelling boom extending from the lower fuselage.
All of the fuel, including that consumed by the A330 MRTT itself, is carried entirely within existing tanks in the wing and tail. This leaves the whole cabin free for some 272 seats in the A330 MRTT’s troop-transport role, and its entire cargo hold free to carry military equipment on pallets or in containers.
Deliveries of the aircraft, which are based on the popular Airbus A330-200 airliner, are due to begin in 2008. Conversion of the first Airbus A330-200 airliner into an MRTT will be carried out by EADS, with Qantas converting the remaining four in Australia - with the involvement of other industrial partners that include Australian Aerospace, ADI and GKN.
Each of the A330 MRTTs will be powered by General Electric CF6-80E1 engines.
The A330-200 is the second MRTT aircraft based on an Airbus airliner – A310 MRTTs are already being produced for the Canadian and German air forces.
Airbus’ A330/A340 family are the most popular airliners in the 250-375 seat class, having won more than 850 orders from over 60 customers. They are in widespread service throughout the world, as well as with several airlines in the Pacific.
Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems.
http://www.airbus.com/dynamic/media/press_releases.asp#1645