The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first A330 MRTT future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) has completed indoor trials in preparation for its first flight.

The A330 MRTT has been rolled out of its hangar at Airbus Military’s Getafe, Madrid, facility in Spain and will continue with outdoor trials such as fuel trials.

The tanker aircraft will be handed over to the flight test team for its maiden flight later this month once all trials are successfully completed.

Airbus Military has converted the aircraft from a basic A330-200 airframe.

The A330 will be delivered to the AirTanker consortium by the end of 2011, which will operate the aircraft on behalf of the RAF.