The first A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) for the Republic of Singapore Air Force has rolled out of the paintshop.
Plane spotter Andreas Zeitler (flying-wings.com) released pictures of the first A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), on 17 February, which show the aircraft painted in Republic of Singapore Air Force livery.
It is the first of the six ordered A330 MRTT by the Republic of Singapore Air Force in March 2014. According to a news release issued by Singapore’s Defence Ministry detailing events and activities that the Republic of Singapore Air Force will hold to mark the anniversary, the A330 MRTT will make its first public appearance at a parade on Sept. 1, the date the service was formed in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command.
Based on the A330-200 airliner, the MRTT is capable of carrying approaching 300 passengers in an airliner-style cabin, as well as performing air-to-air refuelling duties. The A330 MRTT can carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel; this is the highest capacity of all tanker aircraft, even those which have additional fuel tanks in the cargo deck. It has the capacity of offloading 50 000 kg of fuel to a broad range of receivers during a 4-hour loitering mission at over 1 000 nm from its take-off point.
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The A330 MRTT can carry a maximum payload of up to 45 tonnes, combining the passenger cabin and the lower deck: Up to 300 Passengers, MedEvac cabin layout with 40 stretchers, 20 seats for medical staff and 100 passengers, Up to 37 tonnes of cargo in the lower deck. 27 LD3 containers or 8 military pallets.
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Another typical mission is the deployment of fighter aircraft over a long distance. The A330 MRTT can support the deployment of 4 fighter aircraft plus 50 personnel and 12 tonnes of freight (luggage, spare parts and equipment) in one direct flight over 5200 km, e.g. from Europe to Afghanistan.