The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
The new-generation A330 MRTT extends the endurance and range of the ROKAF’s fighter aircraft, and provides the service with strategic transport capability for passengers and freight.
In South Korean service the A330 MRTT will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, be equipped with the Airbus Refuelling Boom System, and can be configured in a variety of layouts to carry passengers and freight or for medevac purposes.
South Korea becomes the seventh nation to operate A330 MRTTs, and is one of 12 to have ordered the aircraft. This latest delivery brings the total in-service fleet to 35.
“The A330 MRTT has clearly established itself as the world’s premier tanker and strategic transport aircraft, and has been widely praised by the current operators," Fernando Alonso, Executive Vice President, Airbus, said.
"It will be a critical asset of the ROKAF and leading air forces worldwide for many decades.”
The RAAF's KC-30As are a heavily modified version of the A330 capable of carrying over 100 tonnes of fuel. The aircraft is capable of keeping 50 tonnes of fuel ready for up to four hours at a distance of 1800 kilometres from its home base.
The RAAF's KC-30s demonstrated their ability to refuel Russian-designed Sukhoi fighters as part of the Indian Air Force's participation in Exercise Pitch Black.