10 July 2020: Do you know how Airbus undergoes transformation of a commercial A330 widebody into Multi Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs) through an optimised conversion process for multi-mission duties. To find out, Read On! As the commercial A330 widebody are transported from the final assembly line in Toulouse to Airbus’ military facility in Getafe, the final conversion process starts. About 16,000 types of new components and approximately 450 new electrical harnesses for a total cabling length of more than 50 km as well as 6,000 brackets and 1,700 connectors are installed in the MRTTs.
“The A330 MRTT’s improved conversion procedures bring increased productivity and stability to this industrial process,” said Alberto Castrillo, head of the Airbus plant in Getafe.
Watch the complete transformation video here:
A key element of the conversion is installing the A330 MRTT’s air-to-air refuelling hardware. All aircraft are equipped with hose and drogue units, and most customers have opted for Airbus’ highly capable fly-by-wire Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) which provides enhanced controllability during in-flight fuel transfers to receiver airplanes.
The A330 MRTT transformation process includes locating the Airbus-developed Air Refuelling Console in the cockpit area behind the pilots. Containing seats for two crew members, this station enables the aerial refuelling to be remotely controlled, aided by an advanced high-resolution observation system with panoramic 3D-vision for operations day and night.
On the A330 MRTT’s main deck, the aircraft’s widebody cross-section can be configured a variety of roles, from the transportation of troops and personnel with capacities for 268 passengers in a two-class configuration, to aeromedical evacuation – accommodating two intensive care units, 16 stretchers, along with seating for medical staff and passengers.
With increased digitalization and applying the “takt” principle of lean production methodology in which the aircraft moves through the conversion with zero hours pending and zero work orders open, Airbus has managed to reduce the end-to-end transformation time by a month.
The digitalization includes the increasing use of Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headsets instead of computer tablets. With 80 to 90 work orders now produced with HoloLens, the goal is to apply the system during 2020 for 50 per cent of overall work orders, mainly for electrical and hydraulic installations.
Airbus delivered its first A330 MRTT in December 2009 to the Royal Australian Air Force. Since then, Airbus has delivered 42 A330 MRTTs to Australia, France, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United Emirates and United Kingdom logging a combined total of more than 200,000 flight hours.
The MRTTs are known worldwide for their air-to-air refuelling platform and an airlifter for troops and cargo. A total of 60 A330 MRTTs have been ordered for operations at the service of 13 nations.
