Spanish Air Force receives its first Airbus A330 MRTT tanker
Airbus has delivered the first A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) to the Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire) in a ceremony at the Getafe subsidiary’s facilities in Madrid.
The transport and aerial refueling aircraft will serve with the 45th Wing, Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base, also in the Spanish capital.
Despite being the home of the MRTT conversion, Spain has not yet operated the aircraft based on the widebody A330. The Ministry of Defense, however, contracted Airbus to convert three jets in January 2021, which were flown by Iberia.
“With the entry into service of this first A330 MRTT, the Spanish Air and Space Force now has the world’s best tanker aircraft in its fleet,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
The second and third Spanish A330 MRTTs are in the process of being converted, but Airbus did not disclose a delivery date.
The Spanish Air Force’s aerial refueling aircraft is equipped with a hose and funnel refueling system and can fly for 18 hours non-stop (16,000 km).
The aircraft carries up to 111 tons of fuel, but can also be used to transport up to 300 troops or 45 tons of cargo.
Finally, the A330 MRTT can be fitted with a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit with intensive care modules.
The aerial refueling aircraft is operated by several countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Australia.
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