Airbus is to improve on the baseline MRTT (pictured) with a new MRTT+ version to be launched later in 2024. (NATO Support and Procurement Agency)
Airbus has revealed an enhanced version of its A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft based on the new engine option (neo) airframe.
Unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow on 23 July, the MRTT+ as the new variant is called will afford the platform greater fuel efficiency and range.
The CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, Michael Schoellhorn, said that the programme will be officially launched before the end of 2024, with customer deliveries to commence by 2030.
Besides the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 neo engine, the MRTT+ will feature a host of aerodynamic modifications that combined will increase the airframe's fuel efficiency and range by 8%, officials said.
Airbus has also been working on a host of new technologies and capabilities for the aircraft, including automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) and autonomous assets air-to-air refuelling (A4R), enhanced self-protection to almost fighter aircraft-levels for operations in contested airspace, as well as connectivity for new roles in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) battlespace.
The objective of the enhancements is to evolve the tanker transport aircraft into a versatile multimission platform of choice for future customers. The expanded roles include VVIP transport; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); and as an airborne communications node through enhanced connectivity.
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