Opinion: Images on the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fact Sheet issued by the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 6 March 2014 after Singapore Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, spoke in Parliament were apparently chosen to show the MRTT's ability to conduct mid-air refuellings using the boom/receptacle (for RSAF F-15SG and F-16C/D/D+) and hose and drogue methods (for RSAF F-5S/T and
“We are greatly honoured by the selection of the A330 MRTT by Singapore. The decision confirms the A330 MRTT’s status as unquestionably the world’s most advanced tanker/transport aircraft as well as its pre-eminent suitability for the Asia-Pacific region.” - Domingo Ureña Raso, Head of Military Aircraft, Airbus Defence and Space
Singapore selects Airbus Defence and Space A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport
Singapore places firm order for six aircraft.
7 March 2014
Airbus Defence and Space has been selected by Singapore to supply six A330 MRTT new generation air-to-air refuelling aircraft for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The aircraft will be delivered under the terms of a firm contract which has already been signed.
Singapore’s choice of the A330 MRTT makes it the sixth nation to select the type following Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom which have ordered a total of 28 aircraft, and India which is in the final stages of contractual negotiations for six aircraft. A total of 17 aircraft are currently in service with the first four nations.
The A330 MRTT is derived from the highly successful A330 commercial airliner and proven in-service as a tanker/transport with multi-role capability.
Airbus Defence and Space Head of Military Aircraft, Domingo Ureña Raso said: “We are greatly honoured by the selection of the A330 MRTT by Singapore. The decision confirms the A330 MRTT’s status as unquestionably the world’s most advanced tanker/transport aircraft as well as its pre-eminent suitability for the Asia-Pacific region.”
About A330 MRTT
The Airbus Defence and Space A330 MRTT is the only new generation strategic tanker/transport aircraft flying and available today. The large 111 tonnes/ 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refuelling missions without the need for any additional fuel tank. The A330 MRTT is offered with a choice of proven air-to-air refuelling systems including an advanced Airbus Defence and Space Aerial Refuelling Boom System, and/or a pair of under-wing hose and drogue pods, and/or a Fuselage Refuelling Unit.
Thanks to its true wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT can also be used as a pure transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb. It can also easily be converted to accommodate up to 130 stretchers for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC). To-date, a total of 28 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by four customers (Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom), with one (Saudi Arabia) having already placed a repeat order.
About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 40,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €14 billion per year.
David, you might wish to tell some readers that 'tanker' aircraft have removal tanks that are fabricated and made safe for installation inside a normal airliner cabin.
ReplyDeleteThe cabin can be re-configured according to mission. Turn-around time will depend on a particular purpose.
Add that the tanker remains a special-function aircraft with its amenities designed for modular re-configuration etc.