The last and final tranche of the multi-year, 12 aircraft contract signed by the French Ministery of Defense in 2014 have been activated.
This contract made 5 years ago was to purchase 12 aircraft known in France under the name of Phoenix: the A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Aircraft.
The first part of the fleet was formally handed over in October and the remainder will be delivered by the end of 2023 under an accelerated timescale requested by France.
As were latest A330 aircraft, the A330MRTT will be equipped and powered by a Rolls Royce Trent 700 that consume less energy and a combination of the Airbus Refuelling Boom System and under-wing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods.
The aircraft can be configured in a variety of layouts carrying up to 272 passengers as well as arrangements including the French MORPHEE intensive care module carrying up to ten patients as well as 88 passengers.
The combat-proven A330 MRTT has been ordered by 12 nations which have now placed firm orders for 60 aircraft, of which 34 have been delivered.
Surfeo: www.surfeo.eu