The story
The Airbus A330 MRTT is an A330 airliner turned military tanker, passing fuel from a boom and underwing hoses while still carrying up to 300 troops or 45 tonnes of cargo. The UK calls it Voyager, France calls it Phénix, Australia calls it the KC-30A, and a shared multinational fleet serves nine European nations at once.
The A330 MRTT became the world's first tanker certified for fully automatic boom refuelling — the boom flies itself onto the receiving aircraft.
Quick answers
How do you identify a A330 MRTT?
Looks like an A330 in grey or military markings. The giveaways: a refuelling boom under the tail, hose pods under the wingtips, and no airline logo.
What does a A330 MRTT sound like?
Standard widebody twin rumble — until a pair of fighters tucks in behind it.
How fast is the A330 MRTT?
Top speed is Mach 0.82 cruise.
How many passengers does the A330 MRTT carry?
Up to 380. A typical layout is 111 t of fuel + full passenger deck.
How far can the A330 MRTT fly?
Range is about 8,700 nmi ferry.
How big is the A330 MRTT?
It is 192 ft 11 in long and 197 ft 10 in across the wings.
When did the A330 MRTT first fly?
Its first flight was in 2007.
How many A330 MRTTs have been built?
66+ delivered built.
How rare is a A330 MRTT in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first A330 MRTT catch is worth 250 points.
