Belgium became the fifth nation to join the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) program on 14 February. ...
Belgium became the fifth nation to join the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) program on 14 February.
Along with Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and Norway, the five nations will operate the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) aircraft pool.
Following Belgium's accession, the fleet has expanded from seven to eight aircraft, with a new firm order placed with Airbus. The contract also includes three additional options to enable other nations to join the program and provides for two years of initial support.
The full fleet will be DIRCM equipped and will be able to perform all different roles of air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, together with passenger and cargo transport.
Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) protect aircraft from infrared homing ("heat seeking") man-portable missiles.
Airbus Defence and Space will deliver the eight aircraft from its tanker conversion line at Getafe near Madrid between 2020 and 2024.
The first aircraft deliveries are scheduled for 2020, whilst the eighth MMF aircraft will be delivered in 2024.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) initiated the MMF programme in 2012. OCCAR manages the MMF acquisition phase as Contract Executing Agent on behalf of NSPA - NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
Following the acquisition phase, NSPA will be responsible for the complete life-cycle management of the fleet.
Airbus A330 MRTT is based on the commercial Airbus A330 jetliner platform, modified for tanker/transport roles.
To refuel receptacle-equipped aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35A Lightning II, the MRTT can be equipped with the Airbus Defence & Space Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), with a fast fuel flow rate (up to a maximum of 3600 kg/min – 1200 US gal/min).
The Cobham 905E Under-Wing Pods provide simultaneous Hose and Drogue refuelling at high fuel offload rate (1300 kg/min – 420 US gal/min), enable the A330 MRTT to refuel any NATO or allied Probe-equipped receivers such as the Eurofighter, the Tornado, the Jaguar, the F/A18 Hornet or the Sukhoi 30.
Large probe-equipped aircraft such as the A400M or C295, can be refuelled, at a high fuel offload rate of 1800 kg/min – 600 US gal/min via the Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU).
In transport configuration, the A330 MRTT is capable of carrying a payload of up to 45 tonnes / 99,000 lb.
