The German air force-led Airbus A310 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) conversion programme is set to become an international effort, with Canada shortly expected to conclude an agreement to join, and Spain considering a similar move.
Meanwhile, EADS has unveiled more details about the development of a European in-flight refuelling boom, which it plans to flight-test on an A310 or A330 in 2005.
Canadian Forces officials say a contract to modify two A310 transports into tankers is pending. The first Airbus Deutschland/Lufthansa Technik-modified aircraft is due to fly early next year, and will be delivered to the German air force in late 2003, with three more to follow. The two Canadian aircraft would follow in the third and fourth quarters of 2004.
The Spanish air force is also expected to decide on joining the programme by year-end, says EADS. Spain also operates two A310s employed as VIP transports. The alternative is to convert a third Boeing 707-300 tanker, which has been replaced in the VIP role by the A310, says Maj Juan Sanchez, from the air staff, plans and policy division of the Spanish air force.
The Canadian and German aircraft will be equipped with two Flight Refuelling Mk32B-907 underwing pods for hose-and-drogue operations, and a remote operator station. The MRTT will also have the option of a palletised fuselage refuelling unit (FRU) or an air-refuelling boom system (ARBS) capable of off-loading 4,540 litre/min (1,200USgal/min). This compares with the pod's 1,500 litre/min and the FRU's 2,270 litre/min.
EADS-CASA has launched a two-phase effort to develop its own boom, with a preliminary design review scheduled for October. There will be a critical design review next March, with rig testing starting later in the year.
Depending on customer support, EADS-CASA is aiming to flight-test the boom on an A310-300 or A330-200 demonstrator between July and December 2005.
Its ARBS design measures 11.25m (37ft) retracted and 17.78m extended, and would include an automatic load-alleviation system and an operator 3-D imaging display.
Source: Flight International
