In the same week that the FAB receives its first Airbus A330, the government of Canada signs the purchase of two planes of the same model. Ottawa is purchasing two A330 MRTTs to replace the aging CC-150 Polaris (A310 MRTT) of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Canada's purchase is very similar to what the Brazilian Ministry of Defense is doing here. There, the National Department of Defense (DND) purchased two used A330-200s for subsequent conversion to the MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) standard, making the planes into multi-mission transport and in-flight refueling platforms.
Last Wednesday (13), the DND published which signed the purchase of two A330s with the International AirFinance Corporation for US$ 102 million. AirFinance will cover the overhaul of the aircraft before they are shipped to Airbus, where they will be converted to the MRTT standard at the company's facilities in Getafe, Spain.
The purchase of the new planes is part of the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project. The RCAF is expected to receive six planes for the project. According to the DND, “this new fleet will perform a variety of tasks, such as in-flight refueling of other aircraft, military and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, and strategic transport of Government of Canada personnel.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need in the most cost-effective manner. We look forward to accepting these two aircraft as they represent an important first step in replacing the capability currently provided by the CC-150 Polaris fleet.” said Defense Minister Anita Anand.
Today the RCAF has five CC-150s, which since 1992 have been operated by the 437th Transport Squadron, based at Trenton Air Force Base in Ontario. The planes have been in operation since 1992 and can carry around 96.920 liters of fuel. In addition to refueling the CF-188 Hornet fighters and, in the future, the recently acquired F-35 Lightining II, the CC-150s operate in aeromedical, logistical and troop transport.
Canada's new A330 MRTT will improve "the flexibility, responsiveness, interoperability with allied nations, communications security and self-protection of the current RCAF fleet."
The DND also points out that the STTC project “will acquire an in-service solution for the aircraft, as well as infrastructure to house and maintain the fleet at the main operational base. In addition, the project will provide a training and simulation capability to prepare and maintain crew readiness.”
The A330 MRTT is in service in eight countries. Brazil and Spain have already acquired their planes, but they have not yet been converted. In the Brazilian case, the FAB is already negotiating this work with Airbus. According to the manufacturer, the process of converting a common A330-200 to the military standard takes around 18 months.
You can learn more about this aircraft and its capabilities in this article on Aeroflap portal.
