Airbus A330 MRTT+ tanker leaves Toulouse assembly line for first time

Airbus has rolled out the first prototype of its A330 MRTT+ tanker and transport aircraft from the final assembly line in Toulouse. The aircraft carries serial number 2140 and test registration F-WWCB, and was seen leaving the assembly hall on 11 September.

The A330 MRTT+ succeeds the A330 MRTT, a military version of the A330 family whose development began in the mid-2000s. The earlier model was first handed over to Australian and British air forces in 2011. MRTT stands for Multi Role Tanker Transport: the aircraft can refuel other planes in flight and carry troops, cargo or wounded personnel when no additional fuselage tanks are fitted.

The original MRTT is based on the A330-200. The new version uses the A330-800, the smallest member of the A330 Neo family. Airbus announced the official launch of the successor programme at the Farnborough Airshow two years ago. The Royal Thai Air Force is the first customer, and delivery is planned for 2029.

Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and aerodynamic changes to the wings and wingtips are expected to cut fuel consumption by as much as 8 percent, with emissions and noise also reduced.