One of the greatest attributes of the Airbus A330 as a tanker aircraft is its massive internal fuel capacity, the 111.000 kg / 122 tons of fuel is held in the wings which leaves the lower deck available for cargo. With under floor tanks the fuel capacity can be further increased while retaining main deck cargo capacity or seating for strategic transport. The A330-200MRTT can be fitted with a variety of refueling options, from a new air refueling boom system developed by EADS or two wing pods, to a combination of wing pods and a center fuselage refueling unit (hose and drogue) and/or boom system. 

• The fly-by-wire technology boom is 11,28 m. long, and it extends to a length of 17,68 m. for refueling, transfer rate of 4.542 liter/min at a pressure of 50 psi. Boom operations are managed from a station in the cockpit. The operator's position is optimized for man-machine interface and utilizes a 3-D stereoscopic enhanced vision system for day/night boom operation.

• The under fuselage centerline hose & drogue unit delivers fuel though an 25,91 m.-long hose, with an off-load rate 2.271 liter/min at a pressure of 50 psi.

• Two underwing pods have a transfer rate of 1.590 liter/min at a pressure of 50 psi., and their hoses extend to a distance of 27,43 m.

The Airbus A330-200MRTT is on order by Australia (RAAF) 5, and selected by the UK (RAF). 

Australia

The five new aircraft will be capable of refueling F/A-18, F-111, Airborne Early Warning and Control and Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The A330-200 MRTT's have a significant strategic air lift capacity when not engaged in aerial refueling tasks, including the ability to carry 293 passengers and a significant amount of cargo. The Royal Australian Air Force has chosen for the General Electric CF6-80E1A4 engine.

United Kingdom

Royal Air Force: probably 16 Airbus A330-200MRTT with Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engine.
The Royal Air Force is seeking a replacement for its current fleet of 19 VC10s and 6 Lockheed Tri-Star tankers in a privately operated solution.

Saudi Arabia

January 3, 2008 the government of Saudi Arabia has signed a contract for three (3) A330 MRTTs to upgrade their AAR fleet.

United Arab Emirates

February 25, 2008 the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) expected order will be for three A330 MRTT aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2011.

United States of America

Friday February 29, 2008 the Ministry of Defense of the United States of America  announced selection of the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker by the U.S. Air Force, a system based on EADS’ A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) and designated by the USAF as the KC-45A, will significantly increase EADS’ industrial presence and commitment in the United States, as well as its role as a U.S.-based defense and homeland security provider.
 

Production of 179 Northrop Grumman KC-45A Tanker airframes will be performed at Airbus’ new Mobile, Alabama aerospace centre of excellence which houses the Airbus KC-45A final assembly facility. In addition the final assembly of Airbus A330 civilian freighters will be performed there, providing a robust final assembly line to ensure low risk, high efficiency and increased capacity for both the U.S. Air Force and commercial Airbus customers.