RAF’s A330 MRTT FSTA obtains INTA certification

A Tornado makes a dry contact with the FSTA. (Airbus Military) — A Tornado makes a dry contact with a FSTA. (Airbus Military)

The RAF’s Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) has obtained military certification from Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Aerospacial (INTA), following civil certification by EASA earlier in July.

With the final approvals from both military and civilian regulators, Airbus hopes to make its first aircraft delivery to the RAF “in the coming weeks”, with the FSTA to be known as the ‘Voyager’ in British service.

The tanker will initially enter service in a two-point hose-and-drogue configuration, with a centreline Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) to be added and certified at a later date.