Article Posted on : - Sep 20, 2010

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. An Airbus photo

MADRID (BNS): The first A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aerial refuelling aircraft of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) has successfully completed its maiden flight test.

The Airbus-designed freighter aircraft, which has been configured as the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the RAF, took off from the Airbus Military's Getafe facility in Madrid on September 16.

During its flight that lasted for nearly two hours, the aircraft, its systems and two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines performed “entirely satisfactorily,” Airbus said.

The FSTA did not undertake any refuelling activity as planned earlier.

The tanker aircraft, which is based on the A330-200 civilian aircraft, is capable of carrying up to 300 passengers or a payload of up to 45 tonnes. It can also conduct air-to-air refuelling missions.

The FSTA is scheduled to be delivered to the RAF by the end of 2011.