Airbus is working on the next generation of A330 aircraft

The background to the initial studies starting now is likely to be the ever-decreasing number of units – so far this year, three new A330-200s have been converted to tankers. By the end of October, 59 of the 78 tankers ordered had been delivered. The availability of used aircraft suitable for conversion also continues to diminish due to increasing age of aircraft. Airbus had already discontinued production of the civilian A330ceo series some time ago: the last A330-300 went to Aer Lingus in February 2022. The plane manufacturer delivered the last passenger version of the A330-200 to Spanish airline Level in September 2019. The A330 MRTT made its maiden flight on 15 June 2007 in Seville.

Wings in focus

In the long term, Europeans may not be able to avoid switching to the A330neo as the carrier’s base model. The main differences are Rolls-Royce’s new Trent 1700 engine, modern avionics and a redesigned wing. Especially for the wing, engineers must prove the feasibility of using refueling containers, both structurally and aerodynamically. Therefore, this is the focus of current studies. The A330 multi-role tanker can use both common refueling methods: both the tail boom and the hose basket system.

Sales start ‘very soon’

Airbus remains silent about the timeframe for the change and model selection. However, according to program director María Angeles Martí, they want to start marketing “very soon.” As with its predecessor, a shorter model – in this case the A330-800 – will likely serve as the basis. Sales numbers for this model aren’t exactly great, as there’s only one device so far this year. This means that the company can kill two birds with one stone.

Neo-MRTT for the USAF?

The new carrier is also likely to be the focus of a potential US Air Force demonstration. Following Lockheed Martin’s withdrawal from the joint LMXT programme, Airbus has confirmed that it will offer the A330 alone as a successor to the KC-135. Up to 75 machines are being discussed, which are supposed to be delivered by the middle of the next decade. Here the Neo could score points against Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus with its more economical engine.

Automatic refueling

Autonomous air refueling can also be used on the A330neo MRTT. Here, the tanker takes control of the receiving aircraft a few kilometers away and automatically refuels. Airbus UpNext conducted a second test campaign under the Auto’Mate program this month. For this purpose, the aircraft manufacturer’s Innovation Company used the company’s A310 MRTT and DT-25 drones. An operator on board the tanker controlled the unmanned aerial vehicles using the tail boom during a simulated refueling operation. Tests of the hose system are also scheduled for 2025.

This article may contain links to service providers from whom FLUG REVUE may receive a commission (so-called “affiliate links”). More information here.