After 18 years of service as the Airbus Defence and Space Flying Test Bed for aerial refuelling and in-house innovation projects, the A310 MRTT is retiring. Its successor, an A330-200, will continue to explore future technology developments. Over nearly two decades, the A310-300 MRTT (MSN 489) has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Airbus’ aerial refuelling systems, contributing to more than 350 flight tests.
From the early studies of the boom refuelling system to the certification of the A330 MRTT as the world’s first tanker with an automatic air-to-air refuelling capability, the A310 has been at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements. It supported the development of the original boom demonstrator and paved the way for the certification of the automated air-to-air refuelling system, culminating in the advanced autonomous refuelling demonstrated through the Auto’Mate trials.
The newly acquired A330-200 (MSN 655) arrived at Airbus’ Getafe facilities in Spain in May and will be converted into an MRTT to support Airbus’ ongoing product evolution strategy. This new Flying Test Bed will not only further develop refuelling capabilities but also explore new connectivity solutions, System of Systems integration, and space-related technologies, continuing the innovative journey started by its predecessor.
