The Airbus Military A330 MRTT has successfully demonstrated the refuelling system for UK Royal Air Force future strategic transport aircraft (FSTA) variant using the fuselage refuelling unit (FRU) for the first time.

The hose and drogue system refuelled two Spanish Air Force F-18 fighters at an altitude of around 15,000ft and at speeds from 250kt to 325kt.

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Airbus Military derivatives head Antonio Caramazana said the demonstration of the A330 MRTT’s refuelling systems proves it to be the most capable, flexible and proven transport / tanker available to the world’s air forces.

“We now look forward to conducting the first contacts with Royal Air Force fighters in the coming months,” he added.

The A330 MRTT is the only new-generation strategic tanker / transport aircraft currently flying.

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