Singapore's first A330 tanker makes public debut

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's first Airbus A330 multi-role tanker/transport made its public debut on 1 September, taking part in the service's 50th anniversary parade.
Sporting special anniversary markings and the service registration 761, the adapted widebody had been flown to Singapore's Changi West air base in mid-August from Airbus Defence & Space's modification site in Getafe, near Madrid.
The nation will eventually field a six-strong fleet of the tanker/transports, as replacements for its ageing Boeing KC-135Rs.
flightglobal

The Singapore air force’s first Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has arrived in the country.

Images posted on social media show the aircraft landing at Changi East airbase, where Singapore’s Boeing KC-135R tankers are based.
Flight tracking sites indicate that the aircraft (S/N 1762) flew direct to Singapore from Madrid’s Getafe air base.
Neither the nation’s defence ministry nor the air force announced the tanker’s arrival. The aircraft’s livery, however, recognises the 50-year history of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, with ‘RSAF 50’ on the tail, and ‘Our Home, Above All’ on the engine cowling.
Flight Fleets Analyzer indicates that the jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60EP powerplants, and that its first flight was on 10 November 2016.
In addition to a hose-and-drogue refuelling pod on both wings, the aircraft is also equipped with a refuelling boom. The aircraft has 260 passenger seats, and can be used to carry cargo pallets.
Singapore has five additional A330 MRTT’s on order. These will replace the nation’s four obsolescent Boeing KC-135Rs, which have an average age of 55.9 years.
The arrival brings the number of in service A330 MRTTs in service to 26. Other operators include the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The Singapore arrival comes days after Canberra announced that its A330 MRTTs – designated KC-30A in Australian service – have delivered 100 million pounds of fuel (45,000t) during air-to-air refuelling missions in support of coalition missions over the Middle East.
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Indonesia puts KC-46A Pegasus, Airbus A330 MRTT on frame for aerial tanker requirement

The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara) has begun a study to expand the service’s aerial refuelling capabilities, with a view on establishing a formal acquisition programme for two airframes by 2024.
The aircraft types that are being compared in this study are the A330 multirole tanker-transport (MRTT) from Airbus, and what the Indonesians allude to as a militarised version of the Boeing 767 tanker, in reference to the KC-46A Pegasus.
Issues that will be scrutinised in the study include suitability for Indonesian operational requirements, compatibility of refuelling methods with the TNI-AU’s fleet of aircraft, interoperability with existing and future assets, and life-cycle costs.
Prior to June 2015, the TNI-AU operated a fleet of two pod-equipped KC-130Bs, which were delivered in the early 1960s. One of these aircraft crashed in Medan on 30 June of that year after developing engine troubles, and since then the TNI-AU has had to rely on a single airframe of the type for its aerial refueling needs.
janes

Singapore, France could Receive First Airbus MRTT in 2017

Airbus Defence and Space (DS) expects that the next new Airbus A330-200 Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) will be delivered to either the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) or the French Air Force.
"The next [MRTT] is either [for] Singapore or France," Fernando Alonso, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus DS, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur in early August.
"Australia has bought two additional ones. Those are something quite special as they are second-hand ones," he added, referring to the two former Qantas-operated A330 airliners that are being converted into MRTT platforms by Airbus DS. However, he did not provide exact time frames for the deliveries.
defense-studies

Spain and Airbus Agree Temporary Reduction In A400M Acquisition

The Spanish air force has agreed with Airbus Defence & Space to acquire an initially reduced fleet of 14 A400M tactical transports until a funding solution can be found for the remaining 13 of the type Madrid has committed to buy.
14 A400Ms will be delivered to Spain by 2022 after which a decision will have to be made on how to proceed with the remainder of the acquisition – postponed until 2024.
The air force is struggling to fund the full acquisition and is in discussions with Airbus regarding its plans. Spain is contractually obliged to proceed with the full fleet, and a decision to reduce the buy or sell the remaining 13 aircraft to other customers would have to be agreed by the manufacturer and the Spanish government.
Despite this, Airbus says it “greatly welcomes” Spain’s decision to restructure the delivery schedule.
The first aircraft destined for Spain is due to be delivered in 2016, with its wings having arrived at the final assembly line in Seville in October, and under the new plans nine roll-on mission kits for the type will be provided that can be used on any of its 14 examples. That will include a defensive aids suite, satellite communications and in-flight refuelling pods.
Spain has also reafirmed plans to acquire three Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transports. A contract for these had been expected during 2015, but this is likely to be pushed back to next year, due to a general election in the nation on 20 December.
Meanwhile, a multi-mission capability for the Airbus C295s the Spanish air force already operates is being discussed by the air force and manufacturer. This could include maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, plus the ability to support special operations forces.
Spain operates a fleet of 13 C295s that are between seven and 14 years old. These could be reconfigured, or new examples acquired for the multi-mission role.
defense-aerospace

Germany reveals plan to join MRTT tanker effort

Germany has revealed plans to join the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MFF) alongside the Netherlands, Norway and Poland, to share a fleet of Airbus Defence & Space A330 multi-role tanker transports.
In 2014 the three other nations announced plans to share the burden of operating multirole tanker transports in Europe, and now Germany has decided that as its A310 tanker fleet ages, it will join the effort.
The nations involved are in the negotiation stage with Airbus regarding acquisition of the shared fleet, which had previously been touted as a buy of four of the type.
flightglobal

South Korea Will Boy Four A330MRTT, Rejecting Boeing Propposal

South Korea said on Tuesday it chose the Airbus A330 as in-flight refuelling tankers for its Air Foce.
Airbus' A330 MRTT beat Boeing Co's KC-46A and Israel Aerospace Industries' MMTT for the tender, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said in a statement.
reuters

RAAF to get two more A330 MRTT KC-30

It appears likely that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is to acquire two more Airbus A330 MRTT to add to its current fleet of five, although no formal confirmation is yet available.
A brief comment to this effect - since removed - appeared on the website of the Spanish Embassy in Canberra on 25 June.
The acquisition of an additional two MRTTs (KC-30A in Australian service) was informally forecast by then defence minister David Johnston in August 2014.
janes

Saudi Arabia takes delivery of final A330 MRTT

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the sixth and final A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to Saudi Arabia.
This is the third aircraft in a second batch of three MRTTs ordered by the kingdom in 2009. The previous two aircraft in the batch were delivered from 2014. The first three MRTTs ordered under a 2008 contract were delivered between 2011 and 2013.
Airbus has also provided details of the new version of the MRTT, six of which will be delivered to Singapore as the launch customer. The changes relate to the fact that the baseline commercial airliner airframe from which the MRTT will be converted is a new model of the A330.
The A330 MRTT is operated by the UK's Royal Air Force as the Voyager (11 of 14 aircraft delivered under a long-lease arrangement), United Arab Emirates (three aircraft), and Australia as the KC-30A (five aircraft). India has selected the platform for a six-aircraft tanker requirement, while 12 of the type are to be supplied to the French Air Force from 2018 in a configuration specific to that operator. Qatar announced an order for two aircraft.
The Netherlands, Poland, and Norway are negotiating with Airbus over the pooled acquisition of a common fleet of MRTTs under an initiative facilitated by the European Defence Agency. The MRTT is also a candidate for South Korea's requirement for four tankers and a selection of the winning bid is expected at the end of this month.
Airbus is also talking to existing MRTT customers about potential extra sales of one or two aircraft each. Australia publically expressed an interest in acquiring additional KC-30A tankers in August 2014.
With the order book swelling there is available capacity for additional MRTT conversions should there need to be a ramp-up in production, according to Airbus. Two buildings are dedicated to the conversion work at the company's Getafe facility in Spain, the process taking between 9 and 10 months to complete.
Spanish airline Iberia was sub-contracted for the conversion of two aircraft in the initial batch for Saudi Arabia at its facility at Barajas, and this capacity can be called upon again if necessary.
janes

India’s Plan To Buy 6 A330 MRTT Refueler Aircraft On Course

India’s plan to procure midair refueling aircraft is progressing well, the country’s defense minister says, marking a major step to increase the operational reach of the Indian air force.
India selected Airbus Military in 2013 to supply six A330 air refueling tankers.
The A330 works as a transport aircraft as well as a midair refueler, carrying about 110 tons of fuel and cargo of up to 45 tons. The A330 is capable of refueling several fighter aircraft simultaneously.
The IAF has been operating midair refuelers for about a decade. But in 2012, it decided all its combat aircraft and helicopters needed to have a midair refueling capability.
According to the IAF’s latest policy, only aircraft with this capability will be considered for future acquisition deals.
The IAF already has a fleet of Russian IL-78MK aerial tankers, but it plans to acquire more to cater to its increasing fleet of combat aircraft.
aviationweek

Iberia readies final Saudi MRTT for delivery later this year

What is believed to be the last of the six Airbus Defence and Space A330-200 MRTT for the Royal Saudi Air Force has been spotted leaving the plant of converters Iberia Mantenimiento near Madrid Barajas airport.
The aircraft was photographed on returning to the Airbus plant at Getafe, just south of Madrid, after reportedly flying south from Barajas to a traditional testing area of the Mediterranean, just east of the Strait of Gibraltar.
janes

Netherlands, Norway, Poland to jointly issue A330 MRTT RfP

The Netherlands, Norway, and Poland will send a request for proposal (RfP) to Airbus to buy A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
The Netherlands, Norway, and Poland will form the launch nations for jointly purchasing three to four MRTTs for delivery starting in May 2019, with an option for up to eight. Forward-operating bases will be set up in Norway and Poland.
janes

India Procures 2 A330 to serve as AEW & C AWACS

India allocated Rs. 5,113 crore for two systems based on the A-330 aircraft, which will be procured from Airbus. Eventually, six systems will be built for use by the Air Force.
India Air Force is currently operating three Israeli Phalcons based on Russian Il-76 aircraft. In addition, India is developing two smaller Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) based on the Embraer aircraft, scheduled to be delivered this year.
thehindu

South Korean tanker acquisition delayed by 12 months

The introduction of an in-flight refuelling capability for South Korea has reportedly been postponed by some 12 months, following a delay in downselecting one of the three bids for the deal.
A decision on the bids was expected to be made at the end of 2014, ahead of entry to service in 2017, but a decision will now be made in June 2015 and Seoul will now begin fielding the tanker in 2018.
Bidding for four-aircraft deal are Boeing with its 767-based KC-46; Airbus Defence & Space with the Airbus A330 MRTT; and Israel Aerospace Industries with a Boeing 767-300ER-derived tanker transport using second-hand aircraft.
The attributed reason for the delay was offset gaps, but negotiations are expected to begin again in the coming weeks.
However, all four tankers are still expected to be deployed by 2019 – two in 2018 and two in 2019.
The selected type would support and add endurance to ROKAF F-15K, F-16C, TA-50 and future 60 F-35.
flightglobal

Airbus Offers India A330 For AWACS project

Airbus appears to have emerged as the sole bidder for a global tender put for "AWACS India" programme. The tender for six airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system aircraft was issued in March 2014.
Airbus submitted its proposal last October.
Airbus would have to integrate the mission systems on the aircraft and gain certification that it is safe to fly with the radome.
If a contract is signed for the A330 as the platform for the Indian AWACS effort, it will be the first instance of the type being used in the AEW&C role.
Meanwhile, Airbus is waiting for a decision on India's planned contract for its A330 multirole tanker transport, having agreed to further extend the validity of its bid until 1 July.
It has been more than three years since the A330 was first chosen to meet the Indian air force's tanker requirements, with a planned acquisition of six of the type.
flightglobal

France will acquire twelve A330 MRTT air-to-air refuelling aircraft

The first delivery is foreseen for 2018, followed by the second in 2019, and then at a rate of one or two per year.
The contract with Airbus Defence and Space is already ready for official award. The contract covers the development and qualification of the specific French configuration.
France is the sixth nation to order the A330 MRTT Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom which have ordered a total of 34 aircraft. In addition, India and Qatar have selected the MRTT and are in the final stages of contractual negotiations for six and two aircraft respectively. A total of 22 aircraft are currently in service and the aircraft has been battle-proven in recent coalition actions.
In French service the A330 MRTT will be equipped with a combination of Boom System and underwing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods, and will be configured in a variety of layouts carrying up to 271 passengers as well as medevac arrangements.
airbusgroup

Airbus rebrand leads Indian MoD to delay A330 MRTT contract signing

The Indian Air Force's  plans to procure six Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft are delayed again, this time by the trivial procedural hurdle of the manufacturer changing name.
In June 2014 India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) requested a legal opinion from the Law Ministry over the renaming of Cassidian to Airbus Defence and Space, which became effective from 1 January.
The then Cassidian bid for the MRTT contract in 2010 and was selected in early 2013 over Russia's Ilyushin Il-78.
Industry sources said parent company EADS had kept India's MoD informed of its impending rebranding exercise, as well as Cassidian's consequent name change, during negotiations for the six A330 MRTTs in 2013.
Although industry officials claim Cassidian's name change is unlikely to have "significant" bearing on the eventual MRTT contract outcome, they believe it will lead to delays in signing the deal as the MoD is seeking legal guarantees to ensure it is in line with the Defence Procurement Procedure.
janes

Airbus Defence To Test-Fly Upgraded A330 Tanker in 2016

Airbus Defence will start test-flying an enhanced version of the A330 MRTT tanker transport in the second half of 2016 and intends to adopt the new standard with the delivery of the first platform to Singapore.
The improvements will include upgrades to the military systems and the green A330 aircraft itself.
The new package of military modifications will include upgrades to mission systems, refueling boom control laws, decluttering the boom visual systems and mission planning systems.
Installation of the IFF Mode 5 will make the aircraft compatible with the civil regulations.
The aerodynamic modifications relate primarily to changes to the slats and flaps on the wing.
Conversion of an MRTT Enhanced prototype is planned to start in October of next year with the flight test program getting underway in July the following year.
Singapore will be the first customer for the update and all future deliveries after late 2017 will receive the new configuration.
Work on the boom control laws was prompted by a Royal Australian Air Force requirement to have current standards supplemented by additional capability to enhance the accuracy of large aircraft receiving fuel from the A330.
Aircraft are in service with Australia, Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The A330 secured a contract from Singapore earlier this year and Airbus is in final negotiations with Qatar, France and India.
defensenews

Latest Voyager arrival completes 'core' fleet for RAF

The ninth Airbus A330 Voyager from the UK’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme touched down at the Royal Air Force’s Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire on 29 May, completing the service’s “core” fleet of the type.
Flown to the RAF’s air transport hub from Airbus Defence Space’s Getafe modification centre near Madrid, Voyager ZZ338 will begin operations once transferred to the UK military aircraft register.
Eight converted Voyagers have now been delivered to Brize Norton for use by the service’s 10 and 101 squadrons, including five three-point tanker/transports and two equipped with under-wing pods only. The ninth – currently unmodified – example is operated by AirTanker and retained on the UK civil aircraft register. All of the aircraft are configured with a 291-seat, single-class passenger cabin, and are capable of carrying a maximum fuel load of 111t.
Since entering use, the UK’s Voyagers have been flown for a combined 9,750h, and have transported more than 172,000 passengers. In the air-to-air refuelling role the fleet has completed over than 230 sorties and delivered in excess of 400t of fuel, supporting types including the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornado GR4s.
In addition to supporting quick reaction alert activities with Typhoons in the UK and the Falkland Islands, the Voyager fleet is also currently supporting testing of the RAF’s future tactical transport.ZZ334, a three-point tanker, has completed the military conversion programme and is currently in Spain as part of the UK’s commitment to support the Airbus A400M flight test programme.
A further five Voyagers will be delivered by the end of 2016.
flightglobal

Iberia to convert more A330 tankers

Iberia has received a contract from Airbus Defence & Space for the conversion of three A330s to the multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) configuration.
The award extends a previous deal between the two organisations for a further three years, as each aircraft will require one year to convert to the air-to-air refuelling role.
Iberia’s technical management teams have handled similar conversions for the Royal Saudi Air Force.
The first aircraft from an initial trio of A330 MRTTs for Riyadh was handed over to its air force in February 2013, with deliveries now complete. A follow-on batch of three tankers has previously been described as due for delivery due late this year.
The Saudi aircraft are used to refuel a range of combat aircraft, including Boeing F-15s, Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornados. It is thought that the latest conversion contract is for the second Saudi batch, although Iberia does not make mention of the eventual customer in its announcement.
A330 MRTTs have also been sold to the Australia, Singapore, the UK and the United Arab Emirates.
Conversion to the military role requires the complete internal dismantling of the aircraft’s cabin, installation of structural alterations and mission-specific equipment.
The latest three aircraft being converted by Iberia will have a three-point refuelling layout, with two hose-and-drogue units beneath the wings plus a fly-by-wire-controlled boom on the centreline. They will also receive a refuelling point so that they can also receive fuel from other tankers.
This type of work forms part of Iberia’s strategy to diversify its business area and include products with added value and greater technological complexity.
flightglobal