Airbus MRTT+ Tanker Demand May Support Doubling Output
Airbus sees potentially sufficient demand for its new A330neo-based military refueling aircraft to warrant a doubling of output.
The company has typically delivered about four Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft per year, but the market outlook now is much higher than what was projected several years ago, says María Ángeles Martí, who runs Airbus' tanker program. “We could double production of aircraft if the market forecast materializes into contracts,” she adds.
Airbus secured the Royal Thai Air Force as the launch customer for the new MRTT—called the MRTT+—which transitions the platform from the out-of-production A330-200 to the A330-800. The first aircraft is due for induction into the conversion line in Madrid next year, with an eye on certification in 2028 ahead of customer delivery in the first three months of 2029.
The company has won the lion’s share of tanker competitions against Boeing and, Martí said, “hopefully in the coming months that will keep going.” Airbus is in talks with users of the current tanker to also acquire the MRTT+, as well as new buyers.
Airbus would not identify potential deals, but Germany, which currently uses the Airbus tanker through the Multinational MRTT Fleet pooling program, is a potential customer. Qatar, not yet a tanker operator, also may be looking to support its growing air force.
The company also continues to work on developing enhancements to the tanker, including automating refueling functions. After certifying a daytime automated refueling system with the boom known as A3R, Airbus has been working with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to bring nighttime automated refueling to the fleet. The RSAF’s tankers are now approved to automatically refuel Boeing F-15s and other MRTTs and, before year-end, should be able to do the same with Lockheed Martin F-16s.
Martí said Canada has also signed on to the A3R and that other users may upgrade to the system. It will be standard on the MRTT+, though may require extra integration of different aircraft types that need refueling, depending on the customer.
Airbus also is exploring enhancing the camera system so operators of the aircraft being refueled can operate on night vision goggles. Currently, the refueling system requires infrared illumination so the tanker’s cameras can properly see the aircraft receiving fuel. The goal is to switch to thermal cameras to avoid the need for any illumination, says Jorge Fuentes, lead MRTT flight-test engineer.
The company also is working on automating the underwing drogue refueling system. The concept, which would initially seek to stabilize the refueling basket, is still in the definition phase. Martí said work on the project is promising, but suggested more concept validation will be required to generate market demand.
