The first of nine A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transports (msn 1735) ordered by the French Direction Generate de I'Armement (DGA or Defence Procurement Agency) for the French Armee de I'Air made its maiden flight from Airbus Defence and Space's Getafe, Spain facility on September 7. The aircraft, which will be known in French service as Phenix is the second new-standard A330 MRTT to fly. Changes over the earlier version include structural modifications, aerodynamic improvements giving a fuel-burn reduction of up to 1%, upgraded avionics computers and enhanced military systems. The aircraft was converted at Getafe from a standard A330 assembled in Toulouse. The crew reported that the aircraft performed in line with expectations during the 3-hour 25-minute flight. The Rolls-Royce Trent 700-powered Phenix fleet will be equipped with a combination of the Airbus Aerial Refuelling Boom System and underwing Cobham hose-and-drogue refuelling pods. While operating as a tanker, the aircraft can carry freight, 272 passengers or be configured for medical evacuation. Delivery of the first aircraft to BA125 Istres-Le Tube is due in October 2018, the second in 2019 with the remainder being delivered at the rate of one or two a year. The type will replace the Armee de I'Air's fleet of 11 C-135FRs and three KC-135RGs flown by GRV 2/91 'Bretagne' as well as the three A310-304s and two A340-212s of ET 3/60 'Esterel'. Worldwide, 51 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by eight nations and 28 have been delivered. France expects to buy three more in addition to the nine aircraft already on order.
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