Airbus Defence & Space began risk reduction studies for the future Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) version based on the A330neo, which could begin to be offered by the end of the decade.
While the MRTTs produced so far were based on A330-200 airframes, and Airbus had denied immediate plans to modify its new A330neo to this version, production slots are turning to the younger model, so Airbus Defence is adjusting its plans accordingly.
«Today we are thinking about the Neo,» María Ángeles Martí, head of the MRTT program, told reporters at an event near Huelva, Spain, as quoted by Flightglobal.
Only a handful of new A330-200s are already being produced for the MRTT version (although many customers preferred to buy ex-commercial aircraft for conversion), so the move to the A330neo is a natural one.
«That’s why we are working in parallel to fully derive that development and have the confidence to offer the platform after those units are sold,» Marti said.
The main differences between the legacy and Neo variants of the A330 are the latter’s Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, a new and more flexible wing and an upgrade to its avionics. Airbus Defence & Space is studying, among other things, the impact and feasibility of installing the probe-and-drogue refueling system on the new wing.
«We are conducting risk reduction activities today and have a high level of confidence that the risk we would run by placing the [refueling] baskets on the Neo is very low.»
Airbus has not yet started to offer the Neo-based MRTT variant on the market, but this could soon change: «We haven’t gone to market yet, but we’re going to start very soon,» says Martí.
The improved fuel economy offered by the Trent 7000 engines and the upgraded technology of the Neo could prove very attractive to potential customers. Future MRTTs could come with Airbus-developed A3R automatic in-flight refueling technology already integrated.
See also: Airbus demonstrates A330 MRTT capability for automatic refueling of F-15 fighter jets
«We are even thinking of integrating A3R technology into the standard aircraft,» she says.
The option of buying second-hand aircraft on the commercial market for conversion into tankers also has a limited horizon, given that the material must have enough remaining flight hours to guarantee an operational life of up to 30 years, so the future of the MRTT would point to the Neo.
