The second A330 Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) to be converted in the Qantas facility at Brisbane for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully performed its first Production Flight in readiness for delivery later in 2010.
The aircraft is the third of five MRTTs ordered by the RAAF and the second to be converted at an industrial centre outside Airbus Military’s home base in Spain.
The first aircraft was fully converted in Spain, while aircraft No.2 was returned to Spain from Brisbane late 2009.
The conversion program is being undertaken by Qantas Defence Services in their facility at Brisbane with the support of Airbus Military.
During the four-hour production flight, which ranged from 30 to 70 nautical miles around Brisbane and reached an altitude of 41,000 feet, the aircraft performed a series of pre-planned trials to test equipment, handling qualities, performance and systems in both normal and abnormal situations.
The MRTT is expected to depart Brisbane during October for Spain where it is scheduled to perform refuelling tests before being painted and formally handed over to the RAAF.
Conversion of the two remaining aircraft will also be conducted by Qantas Defence Services in Brisbane with work on aircraft No.4 now well advanced.
Following formal military certification of the aircraft and all its refuelling systems, achieved earlier this month, the first two A330 MRTTs are to be delivered to the RAAF as KC-30s before the end of 2010.