Systems

State-of-the-Art Flight Deck

The A330 MRTT large flight deck seamlessly integrates military systems, including the state of the art Air Refuelling Console in the highly recognized advanced common Airbus cockpit, at the heart of which is the Fly-by-Wire system pioneered by Airbus.

Eight large screens and two head-up displays (optional) provide comprehensive flight data which enable better crew situational awareness.

Two Onboard Information Terminals (OIT) provide situational awareness of the refuelling process, and other tactical and mission data, to the two pilots.

The location of the Air Refuelling Console in the flight deck provides enhanced crew coordination.

Fly-by-Wire

The A330 MRTT benefits from fully proven Airbus fly-by-wire flight control systems: Improved smoothness and stability, Improved fuel economy, Reduced pilot workload.

In addition the A330 MRTT provides unique benefits to the Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) operation:

• Pilot is able to maneuver at the maximum sustained wing performance irrespective of aircraft speed without special training or special piloting ability: maximizes response.

• Neutral stability of Flight Control Laws (FCL) means low pilot workload during manual AAR: carefree handling.

• Ability to adapt for different aircraft roles: improved agility in receiver role

Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit

Engines from three major manufacturers can be selected, offering the most modern high bypass ratio, low fuel burn, low noise and low emission technology. Enhanced versions improving the efficiency and performance are being introduced :

• General Electric CF6-80: 72 000 lbf (320 kN) thrust
• Rolls-Royce Trent 700: 71 000 lbf (316 kN) thrust
• Pratt&Whitney PW4170 Advantage70: 70 000 lbf (311 kN) thrust

Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) is available on the three engines, giving longer service life and lower maintenance costs.

Integrated, Proven Systems

The A330 MRTT is equipped with a flight proven avionics suite, designed to meet both civil and military CNS/ATM requirements including tactical navigation via mission patterns and secure communications.

The A330 MRTT FMS (Flight Management System) features AAR specific features such as new navigation functions allow crew to fly fully managed Rendezvous (RV) Deltas, enhanced more Situational Awareness (SA) during RV Bravo/Charlie and Anchor/Track patterns and, improved fuel prediction capability.

The A330 MRTT can also be offered with military mission systems including:

The Mission Planning System, a suite of mission support facilities for the A330 MRTT. The MPS l supports on-ground mission planning activities as well as on-board mission re-planning activities, including route and AAR planning.

The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) or Link 16; a communication, navigation and identification system, which exchanges information among various platforms into an effective common pool to enhance varied missions and provides tactical situational awareness to the crew. MIDS guarantees full interoperability between Joint and Allied Forces. MIDS also provides encrypted communication and an anti-jamming capability.

A330 MRTT mission systems are hosted in the Aircraft Mission Information System (AMIS) infrastructure, which provides with real time avionics data, allow data encryption, multiple access, high capability and jam-resistance.

The large cabin of the A330 MRTT and the extensive onboard power supply make the aircraft an optimal platform for “Smart Tanker” auxiliary missions (Communication relay and intelligence gathering/dissemination. The large surface area of the A330 MRTT provides ample space for externally located antennas, including conformal phased-array types. Due to its large fuel capacity, the extended range combined with increased loiter time allow long mission duration.

Survivability Package

The A330 MRTT can be offered with a comprehensive survivability package including:

• Self-Protection systems such as LAIRCM (Large Aircraft Infra Red Counter Measures), a fully autonomous system that provides protection against infrared-guided missiles using MWS (Missile Warning System) cues; or RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) and CMDS (Counter-Measures Dispenser System)

• Armouring including cockpit and critical systems protection against fire arm threats

• Fuel Tank Inerting system protecting against explosion and fire in the event of impacts.