Story ID: DP 9_7 Sing A330
Singapore Officially Unveils A330 MRTT
By: Chen Chuanren
Caption: Having been in-country for two weeks, Singapore's first Airbus A330 MRTT was formally unveiled at the RSAF Day parade
Word Count: 347
On September 1, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) officially unveiled the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in conjunction with the annual RSAF Day. The A330 MRTT was revealed at the RSAF Day Parade held at Tengah air base, and the proceedings were officiated by the Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

The aircraft, however, had arrived in Singapore from Spain on August 14 into Changi Air Base (CAB) (East)—adjacent to the country’s main international airport—before embarking on training sorties around the island. Singapore ordered six A330 MRTTs in 2014 to replace four venerable Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers, some of which are more than 50 years old.

The RSAF A330 MRTT has a fuel load of 245,000 pounds and a cargo capacity of 82,000 pounds as well as 266 passengers. Despite the RSAF not operating any probe-equipped receivers, the aircraft is fitted with underwing hose and drogue refueling pods, allowing it to refuel aircraft from partner air forces or any future RSAF aircraft that are equipped with a refueling probe. It is also the first transport aircraft in Singapore to have its own air-to-air refueling capability via the Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI), giving it extended range and endurance for transport and tanking missions.

The arrival of the A330 MRTT into CAB (East) also suggests the "re-operationalization" of the air base. The air base and the third runway were temporarily closed a few years ago to facilitate land preparation work for the Changi Terminal 5 construction. No. 145 Squadron, which operates the Lockheed Martin F-16D+ Blk 52, was moved to Tengah as a result.

Both South Korea and France will also receive their first A330 MRTTs this year. AIN understands that, currently, the French Air Force has A330 MRTT pilots training in Australia and the UK, allowing rapid entry of the type into service after delivery. South Korea and France have four and 14 aircraft on order, respectively. Currently, there are 29 aircraft serving with Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, with 28 more on order.