Singapore’s Airbus A330 Multi-role Tanker Transports reach Full Operational Capability
The RSAF's A330 MRTT supporting RSAF fighters during training. Photo c/o CNA. |
The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) led by Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen has marked the attainment of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status for the Airbus A330 Muti-role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The event was held on 20 April 2021 at RSAF’s Changi Air Base East, which included Min. Ng receiving brief on the overall capabilities of the A330 MRTT aircraft, and interacting and thanking members of the RSAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
Reaching the FOC milestone allows for the full use of the A330 MRTT’s capabilities to allow the support of RSAF’s overall requirements and improving its capabilities.
The aircraft is capable of conducting Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) and strategic airlift capabilities simultaneously. Compared to the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker that it is replacing, the new A330 MRTT has better endurance, and larger cargo and passenger capacity.
The A330 MRTT could carry up to 111,000 kilograms of fuel, or 20% more fuel than with the KC-135R. This is enough to fill the internal fuel tanks of up to 35 F-16 fighter aircraft.
The A330 MRTT can also conduct Tanker-to-Tanker Refuelling, which was not possible with the KC-135R.
These new capabilities allows for better support of RSAF’s fighter aircraft, and more effective and flexible capabilities in meeting operational demands. It also enhances the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ability to contribute to International Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and Peace Support Operations.
The RSAF received its first A330 MRTT in 2018 and are operated by the 112 Squadron, with the fleet based at the Changi Air Base East.
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