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2024-08-08
New A330 MRTTs for S. Arabia
The skies over Saudi Arabia are about to get a whole lot more versatile! The Kingdom has signed a deal with Airbus for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The first of these aircraft will enter into conversion at the beginning of 2026.
These planes will enter service in 2027, providing the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) with enhanced capabilities for both air-to-air refuelling and transport missions. The contract also includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.
These planes will enter service in 2027, providing the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) with enhanced capabilities for both air-to-air refuelling and transport missions. The contract also includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.
“This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. “This is the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest MRTT operators in the world.”
All the RSAF A330 MRTT are configured with hose and drogue pods, boom system and also refuelling receptacle, which allows the A330 MRTT to be refuelled from boom-equipped tankers.
A Game Changer
As a new-generation tanker, the A330 MRTT is an ideal replacement for older aircraft under fleet replacement programmes. With 76 total aircraft sales as of August 2023, the A330 MRTT has been ordered by Australia (as launch customer), France, NATO, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, UK, Spain and Canada.
Its unmatched fuel capacity allows it to offload more fuel over any distance than its competitors, providing greater flexibility, extended range, and longer time on station. This fuel capacity makes it a force multiplier, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of fast jet operations.
The refuelling capabilities have been validated in testing operations with fighter and larger receiver aircraft, and were bolstered by Airbus’ 2018 agreement with Lockheed Martin to mutually explore opportunities to meet the mounting demand for aerial refuelling for U.S. defence customers — with the A330 MRTT at its heart.
Aerial Refuelling Boom System
To refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35A Lightning II, or another A330 MRTT (when fitted with a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation, UARRSI), the aircraft is equipped with the advanced Airbus Defence and Space Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS).
With a fast fuel flow rate of up to 3,600 kg/min (1,200 US gal/min), the ARBS is the most capable new-generation, flight-proven boom available, offering excellent handling qualities as rated by independent assessments.
Under-wing Pods
Under-wing pods provide simultaneous hose and drogue refuelling at a high fuel offload rate of 1,300 kg/min (420 US gal/min), enabling receivers to minimise refuelling time and enhance operational efficiency.
The Cobham 905E under-wing pods, proven in service, enable the A330 MRTT to refuel NATO and allied probe-equipped receivers like the Eurofighter, Tornado, Jaguar, and F/A-18 Hornet.
The A330’s global compatibility is demonstrated and certified for coalition interoperability. The 900 series wing-pods feature a digitally controlled, electrically operated hose drum unit for enhanced reliability and maintainability.
Fuselage Refuelling Unit
Large probe-equipped aircraft such as the A400M or C295 can be refuelled at a high fuel offload rate of 1,800 kg/min — 600 US gal/min via the Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU).
The FRU, a removable hose and drogue unit, allows refuelling receivers with a different fuel type. This option ensures NATO fuel type is transferred from wing-pods, while an alternative fuel type is dispensed from the FRU.
A3R Certification
The Airbus A330 MRTT has become the world’s first tanker certified for automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) boom operations in daylight, following a successful collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
Certified by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), this capability is part of Airbus’ new SMART MRTT.
The A3R system, requiring no additional equipment on receiver aircraft, aims to reduce the air refuelling operator (ARO) workload, improve safety, and optimise air-to-air refuelling (AAR) transfer rates for air superiority.
The A3R certification marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2018 with the world’s first automated boom contact in a joint operation with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Since then, Airbus has achieved several aeronautical “world firsts,” thanks to the support of its customers and the participation of the RSAF.
In January 2024, Airbus signed an Industrial Participation agreement with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This agreement includes transferring technology and know-how of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies.
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