A310 MRTT

A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)

The A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a tanker/transport aircraft derived from the Airbus A310 aircraft. The concept of the MRTT evolved from the modern requirement for a multi role aircraft capable of  fulfilling a variety of mission requirements, from its primary role of air-to-air refueling to a wide range of missions, for example passenger and/or cargo transport, or medical evacuation.

The A300/A310 Family aircraft has a 222-inch fuselage cross section which provides an optimum balance between aerodynamics, structural efficiency and a combination of spacious cabin and cargo hold capability.

After a very successful career as passenger aircraft, the aircraft family capability now enables very efficient freighter versions to be produced-either new or as converted pre-owned aircraft.

The combination of the wide body fuselage and twin-engine application is well suited to military applications. The A310 is in service today with many of the world's air forces and has proven its effectiveness in recent conflicts and humanitarian missions.

The A310 MRTT conversion is based on the A310 passenger aircraft, which was first modified to combine passenger and cargo carrying capabilities in the Multi-Role Transport version, and then was converted into a Multi Role Transport Phase 3 (MRT P3), including permanent tanker provisions, to allow a quick role change between the transport and tanker configuration. The aircraft is flown in various configurations, including combi and flying hospital (MedEvac), and is a cost-effective platform to be converted to a mid-size aerial refueling tanker.

After having served thousands of hours with commercial airlines,A310 MRT aircraft have been flying with the German and Canadian Air Forces for a number of years and have proven to be reliable and flexible passenger and cargo transport aircraft.

MULTI-ROLE TANKER TRANSPORT

The German Air Force ordered the conversation of four A310 MRTs into MRTT aircraft. A joint venture of Airbus-Deutschland GmbH and Lufthansa Technik  AG,"Consortium A310 MRTT Luftwaffe", carried out the conversion.  The first A310 made its maiden flight in December 2003 and began flight-testing in March 2004. It was delivered in October 2004 to the German Air Force. The MRT to MRTT conversions were carried out at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden and at Lufthansa Technik AG in Hamburg.

Two additional A310 aircraft of the Canadian air Force were also converted to the MRTT configuration. The aircraft are designed CC-150 Polaris. The first conversion for the Canadian Air Force was completed in October 2004.

Today, the Standard Tanker Mission Avionics (StaMa) are being retrofitted in the A310 MRTP#/MRTT from the German Air Force and Canadian Air Force.

AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING (TANKER) ROLE

The modification from MRT to MRTT includes establishing inflight refuelling capabilities for all military aircraft that can connect to hose/drogue refuelling system, such as the Tornado, Eurofighter, F-18, etc.

In the tanker role, the A310 MRTT aircraft is equipped with four Centre fuel tanks or Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs) located in the lower deck cargo bays, one in the forward , three in the rear cargo bay. It is also equipped with hose and drogue pods under the outer wings. The total fuel capacity with four ACTs is up to 89,890 liters which is 70.5 tonnes. The MRTT is capable of transferring 45t of fuel at a distance of 1000km from the take-off and landing field, or 30t of fuel on deployment mission over a distance of 4,600km.

The MRTT has an operating crew of three for all AAR missions;Two pilots and one AAR Fuel Operator Station (FOS) is located in the forward galley area and enable the AAR operator to monitor the refuelling operation. The two pilots have direct contact with the AAR operator ensuring maximum operational safety of the AAR mission.

To be continued......