Photo: Pablo Cabellos / Airbus
Madrid, 7 September 2017 - Airbus Defence and Space has
today successfully completed the maiden flight of the first A330 MRTT Multi
Role Tanker Transport for France. The aircraft, which will be known in French
service as Phénix, is the first of nine ordered by the French Defence
Procurement Agency DGA, plus another three expected to be confirmed. It is the
second new standard A330 MRTT to fly, featuring structural modifications,
aerodynamic improvements giving a fuel-burn reduction of up to 1%, upgraded
avionics computers and enhanced military systems. The aircraft was converted in
Getafe from a standard A330 assembled in Toulouse. The crew reported that the
aircraft performed in line with expectations during the 3h 25min flight. The
Phénix fleet will be equipped with a combination of the Airbus Aerial
Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and underwing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods,
and can carry 272 passengers or be configured for medical evacuation. First
delivery is due in 2018. Fifty-one A330 MRTTs have been ordered by eight
nations of which 28 have been delivered.
Photo: Pablo Cabellos / Airbus
Source: airbus.com
Related post:
A330-200 (MRTT): Details
No comments:
Post a Comment