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Aug 25 2020

Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) reaches air-to-air-refueling milestone


On 24 August 2020, the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet reached another key milestone with the first air-to-air refueling mission.

Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) reaches air-to-air-refueling milestone

The aircraft, tail number T-054, took off from its Main Operating Base in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, and refueled Eurofighter Typhoon of the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force.

The MRTT's 111 tons basic fuel capacity enables the aircraft to excel in air-to-air refueling missions without the need for any additional fuel tanks. Moreover it can provide a maximum fuel flow rate of approximately 2,200 litres a minute, using a boom and a hose and drogue mechanism, can quickly fuel all of the aircraft in inventory with the MMF nations ( F-16, F-35, C-17, Eurofighters, Tornado and Gripen) and most of the other aircraft used within NATO.

Earlier this month, NSPA delivered the second MMF aircraft to the Multinational MRTT Unit. The third, fourth and fifth aircraft are currently under conversion at the Airbus DS facilities. The rest of the fleet will follow until the end of 2024. The full fleet will consist of eight Multi-role tanker transport aircraft, with an option to extend the contract up to 11 aircraft in the future.

The Multinational Multi-Role Tanker and Transport Fleet (MMF) is managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) with the strong support of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). The Fleet, under the ownership of NATO and operated by an international unit, will provide its six participating nations (Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway and the Netherlands) with strategic tanker and transport capabilities.

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